losing his mother

Andrew stood in front of the church full of mourners. He had volunteered to say something that would ease the pain. His mother was gone...suddenly.

He was a young adult, ready to take on the world, his parents giving him the full support and confidence he needed. But now his mother was only ashes, on a stand, in the front of the church.

He paused for a moment, took a shaky breath, and began to speak. His voice was soft and full of hurt. A few words came out..."this is so difficult" ... "I can't believe she's gone" ... "all I can do is pray."

And he began to pray. The words were often only a whisper and barely understood, but it didn't matter. The mourners understood and so did God. That's all Andrew needed. When he uttered "amen" it was silent. A few muffled sobs were heard and the minister stepped forward to continue the service.

Andrew lost his mother, but even in his deepest sorrow, he still found strength and shared it with others. A true testament to his mother's lifelong guidance and faith. She would have been proud.