We Say Goodbye

A lone wagon crept slowly from one highest ridge to this massive, awaiting crew. Driven there by John Mulligan and his eldest son; into the rear wept all the same Mary Mulligan and her daughter too, mutually clinching little Daniel in his blanket clothes. The faces told all; no words need to be said. Words can often say foolish things and bring lies into the air. Though in this, the Truth is known without any hesitation. It has its own universal language; no words are to be said – there is no need. There, in this failing proposal, a wagon limped to its last destination. A slow crawl of sorts. That seemed to freeze in its path as it went.

Heaven's heart must have frozen then. For in this haunting frame of life, the snow appeared to descend and cast the immediate grounds and its surroundings into a bright glow and soft pillow of white. Large flakes fluttered down as big as eye pupils. The parish crowd looked with amazement as if the snow were cast down from Heaven's belly flow all at once. The tears let loose in icy reminders.

Even still, little Daniel did not move.

The wagon stopped just short. John Mulligan came to the rear and pulled his precious wife forward; both children to their rear. Together, with all that they held, with no trappings made, as emotions ravage the soul to question everything, they held Daniel close. This would be the last time to feel his touch and warmth and heart and fingers and toes and the smell of him and his cheeks; all that he was to them.

This would be the last forever on earth's domain.

The start and finish came full circle in just one day. A blink and it was gone. Much is made who have a lifetime together and yet spoil it with regret, and not casting it out with its full due. I say they are blind to all what should be. But not the Mulligan family; they know the precious treasure here. Through their utter pain and empty sorrow, they valued what was truly valuable and worthy. They had learned the lesson meant for others, and for all to see.

Heaven can still teach us in the deepest tragedy.

The snow fell homeward, hardest still. The clergy converged; held the Mulligan's close; the end was near. There, to the shallow pit were they led; consecrations made, scriptures read and soundly rehearsed, prayers sent aloft and meaning for God's awaiting ear.

Heaven did hear; I saw God listening. He knew the terms. Blessings bestowed; Faith renewed; Love always remained. You will see – and sanctuary will come to the heart-filled mourners.

There stood Mary Mulligan in firm cling and undying hold to her son. She would not give in; but to keep this very moment still, and let it not move.

Hold still please; the heart still beats; it must.

The mistake was given in the preceding night; the angels will come and intercede.

Give all of Daniel back to her; make his way home. It is here, next to his mother's heart.

No moment lasts longer than this one. Only a mother knows this.

God forbid the rapture goes this way. Such a mother gives, even to the cross; a son belays, is given up for the sanctity of man. Mary knows, and Mary knew. Such a moment is never dispelled when her child goes to Heaven and away from his family. Daniel was not yet born, but yet was given up to Heaven to go; Jesus made his truer purpose and went away too. But the tears of all mothers for their lost children are the same.

And so too, did Mary wail when Daniel left from her arms into the cold, wet pit below; Heaven's full tears fell in snowy storm now.

God remembers; God knows. A mother's loss is His.

You will see; this story is yet untold. The ending is not here, but yet to be told.

Mary will find her heart back someday. She will have to go and seek it out when she hears the beat of it once more.

With one final gaze she has the memory of Daniel burned into her heart.

Of birth, of life, of death, at once dispatched; the hollow grave just the day before, now filled up with its unintended guest. A child; a lamb; of same innocence born; and lept from womb, to life, to final resting place with no pause to enjoy the life he should have.

Heaven has greatest purpose in all. This, to all, is the Mulligan testament.

You will see - there is no Christian disclaim. When first Faith is born and survives such sustained tragedy. This is the gift; that life does not end here. There is more.

You will see. Daniel is not done; Heaven's virtue has greater plains to explore.

A smile will replace your tears; this be known. If you are moved to hear little Daniel's story, then a great good is done. The snow will fall and at last end. Winter will soon be gone and be replaced with Spring; Summer to follow; Autumn to begin again.

There is cycle here, and death will not end it.

You will see; Heaven and God will be your guide.

Just read further; the dawn of it sits upon the next page.

Daniel's life was thought to be over, but it has only just begun…