"And She'll Be Gone"


If you are even a small fan of contemporary Christian music, you have probably heard the news by now that Steven Curtis Chapman's young daughter, Maria, was killed in a tragic accident at their home. (Visit http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/ for more info.) Since beginning this job as a Bereavement Coordinator at Albany Hospice, I've talked to way too many parents who have lost a child to death. I do think it is the deepest hurt that any person can experience. Burying your own child is a tragedy that no one should ever have to endure . . . but they do. And this very day, Steven, his wife, Mary Beth, and their 5 other young children are reeling in a maze of hurt, anger, and sadness.

And yet, we have to mix in hope, love, and grace. This family already knows that there are some situations where no lasting or sufficient answers exist. We live in a world where tragedy is a part of this deal we call life. You can't escape it. Sometimes all you can do is learn to live without explanations. That is what I've learned.

And yet, I am thinking of the touching song that Steven recently wrote and recorded. It is entitled, Cinderella. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms'
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song,
Cuz all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

If you have a teenage child, then you know how true these words are. Our children do grow up quickly. Before you know it, they are shaving (either their legs or their face), acting strangely, and then one day, out of nowhere comes the word - wedding. And then like Cinderella, "She'll be gone."

While Steven Curtis did not know Maria would be gone this quickly, I would guess he did dance every dance with her because he knew that one day she would be gone. I guess this tragedy is a simple but powerful reminder to us all to use our time wisely with our children. We need to enjoy them because all too soon, the clock will strike midnight . . . . . . . . . . . . & they'll be gone.