when you walk through the waters

I will be there.
Isaiah 43:2

It was dark and quiet in our room. We had planted kisses on each child's sleeping head, and whispers of "I love you" in their ears. And as always, we had kissed our baby girl last and stood there gazing at her sweet, sleeping self with the burning desire to make such a moment last forever. Reluctantly, we left her side and returned to our own room where we talked for a bit, kissed goodnight and then got comfortable in our favorite sleeping positions.

But softly, a sniff broke the silence, followed by a hard swallow and some deep breaths. I drew myself to my husband's side and held tightly to his hand as my own sniffs, swallows and tears joined with the chorus of his. There weren't any words that needed to be spoken. We knew we were both feeling the same pain, thinking the same thoughts, experiencing the same aching of the heart.

Because on the other side of the wall, there was that baby girl sleeping away. Safe and secure, growing every day in her adoration of her "mama", "dada", "sississ" and "ba-bas". We were falling more and more in love with her and none of us could get enough of her sweetness, silliness, giggles and glee. She had brought so much joy, laughter and love into our family and there was no denying that she is a priceless treasure in whom we take great delight. How desperately we have desired to never part with her, and yet her departure will be soon.

After several moments of quiet crying, my husband's strong yet quivering voice filled the room,

"Dear God...."

He lifted up our hearts, he lifted up our girl, and he lifted up our need before the only One who can satisfy, comfort and heal. The only One who is worthy of our trust. The only One who is forever faithful to fulfill His great purpose. The only One who can strengthen us to do the unimaginable. And the only One who says, "When you walk through the waters, I WILL BE THERE."