What's in a fingerprint? Just like people, each fingerprint is unique in it's own way. No two are the same. They are an impression of who you are. Even identical twins, though able to have the same DNA, have different fingerprints. I say this to say that just like fingerprints, everyone, unique in their own way, has a story to tell.
This evening while I work, one of my coworkers (and a favorite I might add) came up to the front office and we started to chat. Like usual, my son, James was brought up and I began telling stories of things he has done and happenings through out the week. We then began swapping stories of when we were pregnant and all the wonderful and blissful moments of becoming a new Mom. I went on to tell this person just how much I love my son and I could not, nor would want to imagine my life with out him. He is pure joy in my eyes and I have often said that should anything happen to him, you would have to bury me right along with him. He is my world. I knew from previous conversations that my coworker had lost two of her children shortly after giving birth. I looked at her and I simply said "I don't know how you did it." We then got deep into conversation and she then went on to tell me their names and how old they were at the time of their deaths. This really tugged on my heart strings and as she went on to tell me more of her story, I began to cry. We both had a moment. I was glad that my coworker had opened up to me and shared just some of her story. It made me appreciate my son even more. I wish I could explain all the love I have for him in my heart, but to put into words would simply be an understatement. I honestly never know my heart could love so much.
This evening, on my way home from work, I decided to stop by Little Caesars ( I swear we keep them in business). I decided to stop here because I know it is one of James favorites. I would do anything to see him smile. Pizza Pizza Caesars, that is what he calls it. And sure enough when he and his Dad walked through the door and he saw pizza in my hand, I once again got to see his little face lite up and hear him say in his excited voice "Mom, did you get Pizza Pizza Caesars?" As I sat and ate dinner with my family, I couldn't help but to stare at my son and think about the stories my coworker and I had just shared. Pure sunshine, that is what my son is to me. What would I ever do, if someone took my sunshine away? The truth of the matter is, I don't know what I would do. I would only hope that my faith in God would carry me through.
I know there are many Moms who have had to endure the lost of a child, and for that my heart breaks. I cannot sit here and say that I know what that kind of pain feels like because I don't. I would imagine it is the worse kind of pain and heart ache someone could ever feel. It is my prayer that my son lives a long and prosperous life. I don't believe anyone should have to bury their child before they go. But I also know that God never gives us more then we can handle. I have always believed that everyone has a story to tell. And I also believe that no one comes into your life just by chance. There is a rhyme and reason for everything and God puts different people in our lives for different reasons. I don't know why my coworker had to endure the pain of losing two children, but I do know that she is a stronger person because of it, and her sharing her story with me made me love and appreciate my son even more. Just like a fingerprint, my coworkers story had left an impression on me. I pray that I remember her story and that everyday I will cherish the moments that I have with my son. Who will you make an impression on tomorrow? Looking forward to many more of God's fingerprints.