A Mother Remembers

By: Sherry Ford

The last touch…the last thumb squeeze...the last subtle smile…the last eye-to-eye knowing of mother and infant.
Caleb Emmanuel Ford entered our lives for such a brief time: six months, eleven days and just over three hours; yet, we are eternally grateful to God for every fleeting moment of his precious life here on earth. 

For many of you, the experience was very different, I’m sure. Yet, the outcome is the same! For every precious little one who departs this life, Heaven is his/her new home! A place of perfect everything! 

THEN (2002)
As he lay in the NICU day after day, my confession over him remained, “Glorious liberty for our little man!” Of course, I meant deliverance from agony of a premature arrival (1 lb. 12.2 oz. at birth). This confession/prayer was heard and answered, but his deliverance manifested in Glory. There, he experiences glorious liberty 24/7! HEALING ALWAYS COMES TO BELIEVERS! Our sons and daughters are perfect in Jesus’ presence.

Our hearts ached from a grief so indescribably intense that I longed to go “home’ to be with Caleb. Surely, he needed my constant, watchful eye in Heaven as he had needed it on earth. Two comments changed me forever: my husband’s response when I asked if he’d be ok if I went to be with Caleb. His soft response, “No.” So, I decided to focus on living because others needed me as well. Secondly, a message our beloved pastor shared on death, where he explained that God “fastforwards” babies who come to Heaven and rewinds His aged children. Therefore, neither nurseries nor nursing homes are needed there! 

NOW (2017)
Someone once stated, “GOD KNOWS HOW TO MOVE US FROM THE PAIN OF THE MEMORY TO WHERE THERE’S ONLY MEMORY OF THE PAIN!” Certainly, Charles and I can attest. Time is NOT what makes this profound statement a reality; a loving, vital, real relationship with Jesus does! His perfect love not only casts out fear but the deep yearnings of a mother’s (and father’s) brokenness and loneliness. 

Though no other child or children can ever replace the one/ones who have transitioned, know that THEY ARE NOT AT ALL LOSS but rather kept by a Loving Savior! Today, praise God for the beauty of motherhood and love those whom God has placed in your circle. They need you, Mother.