Back in the seventies a gospel/contemporary music group, "Truth" sang a song One Solitary Life. The words went something like this: "All the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever set sail, all the rulers that have ever ruled, and all the kings that have ever reigned on this earth all put together have not affected the life of man on earth like this one solitary life". Of course the song is written about the life of Jesus, and I would never compare our lives to His, but didn't He set the example for us to follow?
From that example many have had a impact on humanity; Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, Dwight L. Moody, John Wesley, and if I could think of more I would put them here. These mentioned had years of impact on many lives then and now. Outside of our dedication to the Lord, does the length of years we live really matter.
On Tuesday morning, Noah and Julie Roberts said goodbye to their little Magdalena Grace. Her life was a short one, just a little over the 5 months mark, but the impact she had on the world was greater than I or you will ever be able to know until we are re-united with her in heaven, along with those whose lives were touched and changed by her. She never spoke with words, but used the voice of her Mom and Dad to tell her story. Her's was a story of hope when there was none, of light when there was only darkness, of joy where there was sadness.
Noah and Julie found a way to bring me and many others into their lives as they coped with this terminally ill baby. I am sure that it was an outlet to them, but to us, it was a message of hope in the face of certain tragedy and heartache.
Magdalena, today we shed tears, not of utter sadness or hopelessness but of joy that today you are now whole. We waited with anticipation to read of your triumphs, and cried and prayed for you in the set backs. I believe you know that we, your readers, will miss you. And in the words of Maxim's dad, "Only the time we have here separates us from you".
