Monday, September 26, 2011
Marmee-isms #8 ~ The Tide Went Out Easily
So the spring days came & went, the sky grew clearer, the earth greener, the flowers were up fair & early, & the birds came back in time to say good-by to Beth, who, like a tired but trustful child, clung to the hands that had led her all her life, as Father & Mother guided her tenderly through the Valley of the Shadow, & gave her up to God.
Seldom, except in books, do the dying utter memorable words, see visions or depart w/beatified countenances; & those who have sped many parting souls know that to most the end comes as naturally & simply as sleep. As Beth had hoped, the "tide went out easily;" & in the dark hour before the dawn, on the bosom where she had drawn her first breath, she quietly drew her last, w/no farewell but one loving look, one little sigh.
With tears & prayers & tender hands, Mother & sisters made her ready for the long sleep that pain would never mar again, seeing w/grateful eyes the beautiful serenity that soon replaced the pathetic patience that had wrung their hearts so long, & feeling, w/reverent joy, that to their darling death was a benignant angel, not a phantom full of dread.
When morning came, for the first time in many months the fire was out, Jo's place was empty [beside Beth], & the room was very still. But a bird sang blithely on a budding bough, close by, the snow-drops blossomed freshly at the window, & the spring sunshine streamed in like a benediction over the placid face upon the pillow, ~ a face so full of painless peace that those who loved it best smiled through their tears, & thanked God that Beth was well at last.
Little Women ~ Chapter 40
{Dedicated to my mother ~ Lorene Chandler, Feb. 1930 - Sept. 2011 ~ Who's "tide went out easily" as we had prayed it would. PTL.}
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
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Hello Marmee! I've been trying to reach you through your email address - is it still current? I'd love to hear back from you, if you could please email me at dmdillon88@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, and be blessed today!
Debbie
Still praying my dear friend...I am so sorry for your loss I feel it in your posts....you were a very special daughter that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for this day.
Connie
Now that I have read Little Women your posts have a wonderful new meaning for me. Praying for you during this time.
ReplyDeleteDear Kim - (((hugs))) and prayers - 'For we sorrow not as those without hope.'
ReplyDeleteMay you know much of the Lord's nearness.
God bless
Christine
Thank you for sharing a most intimate moment with such grace.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you and your family, Kim dear. Hugs to you.
ReplyDelete