Thoughts of Heaven

There's a little girl in my Sunday School class, Mallory, who suffers from Leigh's Disease. There's no cure for this and death at a young age is eminent. Mallory is six years old and has probably lived 95% of her expected lifespan at this point Her younger sister suffers from this genetic disease also.
I've known Mallory since she was an infant. She was not diagnosed with this condition until she was a toddler, but I always knew something was a bit different about Mal. She seemed to be a little weaker in her limbs and maybe a little slower to respond. She also seemed to smile more than the other babies and toddlers I came in contact with. She was much more loving and caring, even at a young age. Mallory has always been special to me.Mallory is not doing well. As I write these words she is moaning and restless at home in her bed. Her parents are taking shifts caring for her through the night. They have a nurse to care for her, but they are the ones who are holding her and caressing her and shushing her pain away. They are the ones holding the basin as she vomits the contents of her stomach every few minutes. Her parents are the ones wondering if today will be the day Mallory sees Jesus face to face.
I can't imagine life without any of my children. I can't imagine seeing them suffer from the stick of needles every few days, from the insertion of tubes and gadgets into their little bodies, and from the pain that comes from this and other horrible diseases. I can't fathom what it would be like to see my daughter's beautiful face draw up on one side from paralysis or her eyes cross from lack of muscle tone. I just can't imagine...
But, I can try to imagine the life Mallory will have very soon. One without pain, paralysis, and tears.
A life with a Savior who is waiting for her to come home - to her real, forever home. To meet her Heavenly Father who is not sitting idly while she suffers. No, He has been busy preparing her home and the celebration that will ensue when Mallory enters His Kingdom - a precious daughter of the King.
Mallory gives me a glimpse of Heaven everytime I see her smile or feel her arms around my neck. She has been a precious reminder that there's more to come and what's waiting for us is far greater than what we have already. Thank you, my sweeet Mallory.