You May Need A Kleenex

Everyone has a story.

I am watching the last 45 minutes of the movie, 'Stepmom'. I love this movie. If you stay with me until the end, watch out because there WILL be tears. It gets me every time.

So what is YOUR story? Over the past month I have taken on more responsibility at the funeral home and now assist with the after-care program. A program designed to visit families a month or two after losing a loved one.

Over the past 3 months, I have asked frequently why I ended up where I am. Then I remembered that, God takes me on detours. I think I have made it, but then He reminds me that I still have lessons to learn and character to build. The dreams and passions He has laid on my heart are not quite ready to blossom. I am still a work in progress. DARN, I think. Just when I thouht I had it all figured out. The road I will travel, the towns I will come upon, and the stops I will make. I had the master plan and it is was timed down to the tee. Then out of no where a detour sign sends me miles off of my map. I get frustrated with the time delay, the bumps in the road, and the extra gas. Enough all ready!

But suddenly and unexpectedly, something catches my eye. A flowering crab apple tree, off the beaten path trails, and I become completely enamoured with the new view. A view I would have never appreciated had the detour sign not directed me off my well thought out route.

About 10 - 12 times a week I have the privilege of hearing stories, lots and lots of beautiful stories. Stories of strong and courageous young men, precious babies, lovers, mothers, fathers, grandparents, and friends. Each one is special in it's own way. Each one is a treasure all it's own. Sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry. I ALWAYS leave a better person. It matters not if the loved one was 1, 18, 49, or 96 the deep, raw pain is real for the one sharing. For a few hours every week, I listen to those 'left behind'. They courageously and sometimes tearfully share their story. They share stories of joy and times of sorrow. Often times they hang their head, with tears falling and say, 'I just miss them sooo much.' They allow me a glimpse into their life and the life of the one they lost.

So I wonder about this detour I am on? Was it because I wasn't fully appreciating all that I have. May be I am learning the God gave me two ears and one mouth for a reason. May be I am growing in compassion and servanthood. May be........

Wait..wait...the tears are coming. Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon are sitting in the restaurant. Susan says to Julia, 'I have their past and you have their future. There is no need for them to choose. They can have both.'

Death is going to happen to all of us. It is invidentable.

The last part of Stepmom is when Susan shares her Christmas gifts she made for her children. As they open the special gifts she sewed with love, each child has a touching moment when they try to comes to terms with the future. The conclusion is made that no matter what, even if we don't see someone, you always carry them in your heart. You can always take them along with you.

:: videos :: The ending to 'Stepmom'

So tonight, hug your babies just a little bit tighter. When you kiss your husband or wife, hold his or her face and look them in the eye. Tell them just how much you love them. Tell them how special they are in your life. Tell them how deeply you would miss them if they were gone. Call your mom, call your dad and your friends. Tell everyone just how incredibly special they are and what they mean to you. Tell them that no matter what happens in life, you will carry them with you, forever and ever....always and always.

And pay attention tomorrow, the next day, and the next, there are people around you who are deeply hurting. Many you don't even realize. Take a moment to sincerely seek and ask about them. Listen intently and don't be quick to offer a suggestion or advice. Just nod, smile, and may be share a tear. Remember EVERYONE has a story, they may just need someone to listen.