St. Michael’s Church was heavy with grief as Ana stood beside her husband Rareș’s coffin, clutching their crying two-year-old daughter, Sofia. The child didn’t understand death—only that her father was gone.
Then, as the bells tolled and silence fell over the mourners, Sofia suddenly pointed to the coffin and said, “Daddy says you don’t have to cry, Mommy.” The crowd froze. The toddler’s voice was clear and calm, beyond her years. Sofia continued: “He said it’s not cold… and that he loves us. He’s holding my hand.”
Ana, stunned, felt a warm, familiar touch on her shoulder. She broke down—not in grief, but in peace. Around her, others wept or prayed, overwhelmed by what they’d witnessed.
As Ana held Sofia close, the little girl whispered, “Daddy is gone… but he’s here.” And in that moment, it felt true. Some goodbyes aren’t forever.