‘I fuss at my daughter for not rinsing toothpaste out of the sink. But today, I’m letting it go.’: Mom remembers what’s important after learning of Noah Chambers’ death after car hit him while trick-or-treating

“At least 2-3 times per week, I fuss at Ella Kate for not rinsing her toothpaste out of the sink. I’ve said it a million times and she never listens.

In the back of my mind, I know she isn’t doing it intentionally and she isn’t intentionally disobeying me by not rinsing the sink. She is 7 and she just doesn’t think about it. But I bring it up because I feel like it’s my job to make her be vigilant and responsible in the small things to prepare her for the bigger things when they come.

But today, I’m letting it go. Today, I’m rinsing it myself and not saying a word. Today, I’m rinsing it and feeling joy in my heart that I’m able to rinse it. All weekend long I’ve followed the story of Noah, the little boy that was hit by a car while trick or treating. Just two short days ago, he was dressed for Halloween, trick or treating with friends.

Today he is fighting for his life.

Maybe his mom rinsed his toothpaste out of the sink Friday morning. But today I’m sure she is holding him as she begs God to give him one single sign of life so that today she doesn’t have to say goodbye to him. Today, I’m sure she would give anything for him to sit up, walk to the bathroom, brush his teeth, and forget to rinse the sink.

Today I will rinse this toothpaste out with thanksgiving in my heart because part of my heart is there with Noah’s mom. I don’t know her, and I don’t know Noah. But I know a mother’s heart and I can’t imagine how she feels today, as she prays and holds him, hoping for a miracle.

Today the toothpaste isn’t important. The toothpaste is there because my baby is here with me, going about a normal day. A blessed, precious normal, average day. Today I’m thankful to God for the toothpaste in my sink.

And I am continuing to send prayers for Noah and his family.

Update: I just heard that Noah entered the gates of Heaven this afternoon. Please send prayers for comfort and strength for his family. May the peace that passes all understanding be with them now and in the days ahead.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Brandi Richards.  Do you have a similar experience? We’d like to hear your important journey. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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