A Beautiful Reflection… Truly Beyond Words

A beautiful reflection I almost cant find the right words

There was a woman whod been living miserably with her husband for years. Our relationship was so strained, Id stopped caring, and so had he. Then, one night, my own heart gave outI had a cardiac arrest. I found myself teetering on the edge of life and death, and as I drifted, an angel appeared before me. Gentle but firm, he told me that after weighing my good deeds against my bad, I wasnt quite ready for heaven. I was offered a chance to return to my life for a few more daysto fill that balance with kindness. I accepted. Back I went, into our cold English house, to see my silent, angry husband. It had been so long since wed even spoken.

I thought to myself:
I should try to mend things with him. Hes been sleeping uncomfortably on the sofa for ages now, and I havent cooked for him in months. There he is, ironing a shirt for work by himself. Maybe I should do something thoughtful.

When he left for work in the morning, I started tidying his wardrobe, washed and ironed all his clothes. I cooked a hearty dinnersomething special even, set the table with fresh flowers from the garden and some candles, and left a note on the sofa:

I think youd sleep better in the bed that was once ours. The bed where our children came into the world, where we comforted one another in fear and celebrated our love. That love is still there, waiting for us. If you can forgive my mistakesI’ll be waiting for you.

Your wife

But as I wrote the last line: If you can forgive all my mistakes, a flood of bitterness washed over me:
Am I truly mad? Why should I be the one to apologise? Hes the one who brought his anger home after losing his job at the factory. I had to keep our savings afloat, mend everythingand endure his outbursts. He started drinking, sat for hours in his armchair, and scolded the children for being too noisy. Hed only shout at me when I tried to speak honestly about how bad things had become. He tore our family apart and now Im the one asking for forgiveness?

Furious, I tore up the note. Suddenly, the angels voice reached me:
Remember, just a few more good deeds and youll reach heaven. If not, youll never be able to enter.

I paused, reflecting:
Is it truly worth it?

Slowly, I rewrote the note, this time pouring out my heart with more warmth:

I never understood the fear you must have felt when you lost your jobafter so many years of stability. How frightening that must have been. I remember your dreams for our retirement, what wed do with our time. I should have stood by to help you realise those dreams, instead of pushing you into taxi driving when you clearly hated it.

And that night when I destroyed your love letters and burned your paintingsI was so angry at you for shutting yourself away, wasting money on paints and writing me poems. I should have supported you to show your art to the world; they truly were beautiful. I, too, was afraid, only feeling safe when your pay from the factory came in each month. I didnt stop to see your pain.

Please, forgive memy dearest. I promise, from this day, Ill try to change everything. I love you.

Your wife

When my husband came home from work, he noticed at once that something had shifted. The aroma of home-cooked food, candles flickering on the table, his favourite music filling the room, and that letter waiting for him on the sofa.

When I carried out the platter from the kitchen, I saw him wiping away tears. Quietly, I set the meal down and wrapped my arms around him. No words were neededwe simply wept together. As if we were young again, he lifted me up and carried me to our old bed. We made love with the tenderness and passion we’d had on our very first night.

Afterwards, we shared supper, laughing together as we remembered silly stories from our childrens childhoods. It felt like life was being reborn.

Later, while tidying away dishes, I glanced out the kitchen window and saw the angel waiting at the end of the garden. I rushed out, tears brimming:
Please, let me stay a while longer. I want to help him find his art again, to rebuild what Ive broken. I promise, Ill come with you when hes smiling once more.

The angel replied softly:
You dont need me to take you anywhere. Youre already in heavenyouve earned it. Just remember the hell you lived in, and that paradise is often closer than you believe.

I heard my husband calling from the doorway:
Come to bed, love. Its cold, and tomorrow is a new day.

And I thought:
Yes thank goodness. Tomorrow will be a new day.

A thought for others:
If you grumble about what you lackhave you thought about what you give?
If you feel paindo you realise the pain you cause?
If you accuse others of ignorancehave you considered your own understanding?
If you condemn others faultsdo you see your own?
If you claim to be a loyal friendare you honest with yourself?
If you complain of scarcitycan you recognise your abundance?
If you criticise the worldwhat have you done to make it better?
If you dream of heavenhow much hell around you have you lessened?
If you call yourself humbleare you truly modest?
If you scorn badnessdo you actively share kindness?
If you complain of indifferencedo you yourself show love?
If you fear povertydo you use what you have wisely?
If you are wounded by thornsdo you plant roses?
If you fear darknessdo you ever light a candle?
If you only focus on yourselfdo you care for others?
If you feel insignificantdo you strive to learn and grow?
If you dread lonelinessdo you give anyone your company?
If you fear illnessdo you look after your health?
If you yearn for peacedo you help mend divides?