Attainment

At the end of the long day, she sat on the edge of an aluminum folding chair. Her surround, now the simplicity of family, cushioned the existence as if she were to fall. Watching her, sitting upon the pedestal with mother's hands upon her shoulders, sister’s hands resting upon her knees and close family friend caressing her hair, elicited finality to the event. Her body lifed and she made the rounds to say thank you to those staying to clean up from the 500 in attendance.

"Katie stop!" came the strong voice behind me earlier that morning. I turned, set down my box of materials and embraced this friend of mine. Emotions flooded in for the first time since hearing of her husbands passing just days prior; I had set in administrative mode and organized the food for this occasion. It was just she and I standing in this hall, quiet, silent and still the hour before the church was to be filled. She talked about her gratitude of the day and the many moments of her husband speaking to her through items found. The odd preparation that led to this day and this hour. Soon, we took to our separate paths. Within an hour, my soul would be rocked and stirred and humbled; more so than it already was.

I continued - setting in place the goal...feeding all who held special honor for this man, father, friend, pastor.

The church was packed and she told me to sit among the family. They were not a big family and there was plenty of room. I sat behind her 10 year old daughter and for the hour and a half service; my eyes rarely deviated from this woman. Captivated. Awestruck. Mesmerized.

She stood tall. She sang loudly to each celebratory and praising song. She held her hands up high, repeating, "Thank you, Lord. I love you Lord. Thank you."

Her 5 year old sat in her lap, eating his Teddy Graham crackers. Her 12 year old bit his nails and cried. Her 15 year old stood tall and strong like any assuming 'man of the house' should stand and her 10 year old daughter sat with a comforting arm around her.

Tears fell but her movement and moment was present in this experience. Her faith was unshaken. Her authenticity blended my insides and left me yearning for knowledge. My songs aligned with hers. I danced and swayed with the music. I absorbed a piece of her spirit and will carry with me her momentum of faith and resolve.

I live to attain her grace.