Claire was about to give birth to her second child when she experienced a lethal complication. She left her body. Her son, who was about to be born, met her and explained she could remain in the supernal love and glory she was experiencing or return to her body and give birth. If she remained, he wouldn’t survive, but he assured her that was alright because he’d already accomplished what he needed to do. The decision was entirely hers.

Following Claire’s decision to return, her future daughter appeared and reminded her of a promise she’d made to bring her into the world. Kathrine joined the family a few years later and grew into a radiant young woman. Just days before her wedding, Kat suddenly died. 

Claire was devastated. She missed her daughter immeasurably. When she shared her experience with me, she told me of the day she saw several brides at a wedding venue, wrapped in gowns and endless smiles. Overwhelmed by sorrow and resentment, she cried out, “I never got to see my daughter on her wedding day.”

“Would you rather be their mother?” a warm voice responded.

Claire saw a panoramic flash of her life with Kat. “Of course not,” she said. 

Claire wouldn’t trade anything for her time with Kat, even if that time included the anguish of an early farewell. Suddenly, things refocused. The good, the bad, the difficult, the heart-rending and rejoicing all fell into order. Claire’s grief was a manifestation of her love. And despite her lingering sorrow, she was grateful for their precious time together.

Never forsake exquisite joy for fear of the difficult.