The Boy's Prayer

My sister's mother-in-law is dying. She's in what seems to me to be the last stages. It's very rough on their whole family. I've watched my own mother-in-law die from cancer. I've watched my birth-father die from cancer. There are similarities in all cancer deaths but no two are the same. I know the helplessness and other feelings that wrack you in these end times. And the feelings that hit you afterwards.

Anyway, I told The Boy that his uncle's mother was dying. He said we should pray to God about it. I knew he meant to ask for total healing while I thought of just praying for her release from the pain and fear. I like his unblemished faith.

So last night, as I tucked him in bed and prayed over him, I didn't think to mention it in the prayers in case it upset him. When The Boy realized I wasn't going to mention it, he rolled over onto his back (which is what he does when he needs to address God) and said, "...and God, please make [uncle's] mom better soon. But if she dies, please take care of her when she gets to heaven."

Love that kid.