School supplies

I went to Target, yesterday, to buy school supplies. My children's school begins in one week. They have the year round school program,where the summer is shorter, but they get four weeks off during the year. We had the check list. My daughter specifically picking out every item. The colors of the notebook must be coordinated with the folders, etc. I have done this process for 10 years, as my son will be a sophomore this year. I never thought about the privilege I have been able to enjoy each time as the summer comes to an end. A friend of mine has a daughter who is dying. She is living one day at a time. There is no school supply list in her purse. There is a list of clinics, doctors, experimental drugs, being offered to extend her daughter's life. Her end of summer is the realization it will probably be her daughter's last. She is trying to survive watching her daughter suffer with pain that cannot be relieved with medicine. Her mind is consumed with offering comfort to her child. A mother's comfort when cleaning a hurt spot, applying ointment, placing a bandaid, and wiping the tears. She can't find a bandaid large enough this time. There are no quick fixes. She has been told there is nothing else to do. Life becomes so precious in the face of a dying child. Suddenly, notebook paper and colored pencils seem so important to me. I will stand here and be patient as my daughter works her colors together. I will cherish the chance to spend the money on supplies rather that a pedicure for me. I will smile as we shop for new clothes and shoes as school starts. My burdens are not here, as I wonder about this sweet child. For I am not watching life drain from her face. I am not calling asking someone to ease the pain. I am not listening to the doctors final words. I am not wondering how long life will endure. I am pushing the cart while my daughter picks out her things. I realize school starts in one week, while a worn-out mother is praying for one day.