Introduction to Kiss Goodbye
I have a story to tell.
At times, I think, perhaps it is an autobiography, and then, I realize this story is not about me. At other times, I think it is about the well-lived life of my daughter, but that too, falls short. Is it a testimony something that gives witness to a series of events? Is it a love story of God's unrelenting love, mercy, grace, and charity? Or, on the other hand, is it a saga involving a complicated series of events, personal experiences stretching over time; or is it a tragedy that evokes feelings of sorrow?
These questions I cannot answer, but I do know that this story is about a transcendent God who went before me and never left me; who carried me, comforted me, and raised me up with His story to tell. It is my hope that in the pages of this book, you will find hope and assurance.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV).
Within days of the accident, God impressed upon my heart a desire to write the story, Kiss Goodbye. God was clearly going ahead of me on this journey.
I remember the moment as clearly now, as when it happened then.
There she was her slender five-foot eight body leaning back against the refrigerator, as she balanced on one leg. Her right foot tucked securely behind her left calf. Bare shoulders flattened against the door accentuating, her taut tummy and tiny waist. Curved hips protruding slightly forward and slender arms relaxed at her side, as graceful piano fingers drummed lightly on her thighs. Her head turned slightly to the right and tilted upward, and her pretty face outlined by her short, honey blonde hair.
Her bright blue eyes twinkled as they followed me, as I scurried back and forth across the kitchen. She seemed to find enjoyment in watching me. A playful smile perhaps even a hint of a smirk beamed from her face, as she appeared to be holding back a laugh.
I grabbed my purse off the counter and headed toward the front door. As I brushed past her, she reached out and stopped me. She spun me around until we were face to face. Wrapping her slender arms around me, she drew me into a huge hug that left no space between us and in a tender voice, she whispered into my ear, I love you so much. Then loosening her grip, she stepped back ever so slightly before pressing her lips firmly against mine and gave me a momentous Kiss Goodbye.
Then I left.
I can remember the light scent of her perfume a hint of citrus, mixed with sweet flowers the feel of her silky hair as it brushed lightly across my face the taste of the sweetness from her lips ... the whisper of her endearing words her arms reaching out to me.
And to think I almost missed it! I would have missed it. If she had not literally stopped me I would have missed it.
I had no way of knowing it would be her final Kiss Goodbye unthinkable that I could have missed it.
But, I didn't God ensured, that I did not miss that precious moment.
God did not send me into the dark night, empty handed, nor would He bring me through without something tangible to share.
Come now, as I share our story.
