January 25, 2008

My Journey to God

The Bosom of Jesus

When it became apparent
No miracle was coming
(At least, none such as our earthly hearts desired)
They stopped the chemo
And she came home
To die.

Between hospital and home
We spoke on the phone.
After assuring me she was “good,”
(She was always “good”)
She inquired, typically, how I was.

Oh, I said, shakily, “I’m sad.”
“Why are you sad?” she gently asked.
“I’m sad because my friend is sick,”
I answered, through tears.
“Oh,” she said. “Don’t cry. It’ll be OK.”

“No, it won’t,” I had to say.
“I’ll miss you so much!”
“I know,” she replied. “I’ll miss you, too.”
“No, you won’t,” I accused.
“You’ll be in the bosom of Jesus!”
“I know,” she agreed (and you could hear her smile).
“I was just trying to make you feel better.”

She always made us feel better.
Rest, friend, sister, dear one
Who never despaired.
We had the miracle before us
All along.

Your body died, but
Your spirit soars: beloved
In the bosom of Jesus.

By Linda Abner

(Linda Abner is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Indianapolis. She wrote this poem in memory of her friend, Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner Mary Teresa Schwering, who died on Dec. 24.) †

Local site Links: