Her Last Question

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Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. – Matthew 10:29, 31

I didn’t know much about Dora. Her room had no flowers, no cards, and no visitors that I ever saw. It didn’t surprise me that she seemed perpetually sad. Sometimes when I passed her room, I could hear a high-pitched, child-like cry, almost like that of a baby. It seemed whenever I was making my rounds, singing to the other patients, by the time I got to her room, she had cried herself to sleep. So, I would quietly move on, thinking, Maybe next time…

One day she was sitting in her chair as someone from housekeeping was making up her bed. Seeing how hurriedly the employee was working, I decided to wait outside until the patient was back in bed, then come in and see if I could sing her a song.

“Did God answer my question?” I heard the woman ask the housekeeper anxiously.

No answer.

The patient repeated the question.

Avoiding eye contact, the housekeeper answered, “Um … yes, He did,” and hurried out of the room, successfully dodging the obvious follow-up question. The patient looked profoundly disappointed.

“May I come in?” I asked quietly. She didn’t respond, but stared ahead with sad eyes, and I was afraid she was going to start crying again. Cautiously, I tiptoed into the room.

Seeing the name posted over her bed, I asked, “Dora, may I sing you a song?” She nodded absently. I sat, took my guitar, and started playing.

After all these years I don’t remember what I sang to her, possibly “Amazing Grace.” That was a staple then. But after one or two songs, I saw the tears in her eyes, and something told me she needed more.

Impulsively taking her hand, I gave it a little squeeze and blurted, “Dora, God loves you very much.”

She turned her head and stared at me, wide-eyed. “Who told you that?!” she gasped.

I thought for a moment. “He did,” I guessed.

Dora’s countenance was instantly changed, registering relief and a profound peace. A weight seemed to be lifted, and she lay back, closed her eyes, and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Ann,” I said.

Her eyes still closed, she smiled sleepily. In a voice that was barely audible, she murmured, “I love you, Ann.”

Neither of us said any more. Dora seemed to have fallen into a deep, restful sleep. I picked up my guitar and quietly slipped out.

The next time I came to the hospital, I went straight to Dora’s room to say “hello” and tell her I’d be back soon to sing to her again. But her room was empty. I asked a nurse if she had been moved and was told that Dora had passed away.

Of course, I knew where she had gone – to the One who loved her. I silently thanked Him for giving me the immense privilege of being the one to tell her.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You came to earth to sacrifice Yourself to pay for our sins, to show us how much You love us. We are grateful beyond words, but we know there are many lost and desperate people who don’t know that You love them. And, if we don’t tell them, who will? Help us not to be negligent, selfishly keeping the Good News to ourselves. You have already promised to give us the words when the time is right; give us the boldness to speak them, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Published by seekingdivineperspective

I am a forgiven sinner and adopted child of God, seeking to see life from His perspective - as opposed to the world's flawed perspective - and living my life accordingly.

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32 thoughts on “Her Last Question”

  2. What a beautifully touching experience you had with Dora. Letting her know God indeed loved her at a time when she was ready to release her spirit from her earthly body. What a blessing and a great comfort it was for her! God surely guided your steps to Dora so she could finally be at peace knowing the Father loves her. 🙂

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