During my years of hospice nursing, I had in my care, mothers and fathers whose children were in prison. There is no way to explain the heartache of a parent who knows they are dying and will never see their son or daughter again.
One mother stands out in my mind. She and her husband were hardworking and loving parents. In spite of their efforts, their young son was in prison for robbery and drug trafficking and would not be coming home anytime soon. The husband was devastated not only to see his wife dying, but to witness the broken heart she could not hide.
After many prayers, calls, letters and interventions, it was decided that the son could be brought to the bedside of his dying mother.
Forever etched in my mind is the sight of that young son, on his knees, in shackles and handcuffs, with a deputy at his side. He was listening closely to the loving direction he could not hear years ago from his mother. His tears mingled with hers and with heartfelt sorrow he promised, that once released, he would never stray again.
It is impossible not to see the hand and heart of God at moments like this. The one lost sheep coming back to the fold, to the loving embrace of his mother.
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