Sapphira | A Miraculous Story

Bigger Than the Whole Sky

Silence is the only thing heard behind the sobs of Genevieve Deveraux as she holds the cold, lifeless hand of her mother. Tears begin to stain the satin sheets where Bridgette Deveraux lays, having just taken her final breath. A strong hand rests on Genevieve's shoulder. She looks up behind her to see her father through a blurry mess of tears. They embrace, gasping for air and wetting each other's shoulders. Nothing could have prepared either for the sudden passing of the one person who seemed to hold their lives together.

Just weeks before, Bridgette returned from visiting her family in Paris, France due to the passing of her own father. All seemed well in the Deveraux household, though a small cloud of mourning would occasionally pass over Bridgette's mind. However, one night after returning home at a late hour, Bridgette seemed much weaker than normal. Her husband, Sebastian, kept her close and watched as her health began to deteriorate exponentially in a matter of days. He searched for the best doctors and medical remedies in all of Los Angeles, the United States, even the world. No one had an explanation. After thousands of tests and tens of thousands of dollars, Bridgette couldn't stand to watch her beloved husband and sweet daughter have their hopes raised and crushed again and again. She knew deep down that there was no cure for what she had. Her road was soon coming to an end. She refused to have any more needles prodded into her, doctors assess her, or intake any more herbal remedies that were to work like magic. The only thing Bridgette wished was to spend her very little time left with her small family.

Moments before she passed, she shared her most cherished memories with her husband and daughter, reminding them that it is through those memories that she will always be with them.

She took her husband by the hand, "When I'm gone, don't forget our little bird." She looked sweetly at Genevieve across the room. "Her happiness and well-being is far more important than me being gone. Take her home. Remember what my father has left for us, for her, in Paris." Sebastian choked back tears, swallowing a cry before nodding.

Bridgette reached out towards Genevieve, "My sweet little bird. Come here." Genevieve rushed to her side, gripping her mother's hand tightly. "Now don't you cry. I will always be with you here." She placed her hand on Genevieve's heart. "Make sure you take care of your father as well." She smiled before coughing and grabbing Genevieve's hand again. "And above all, remember to be the girl I raised you to be. Remember that family is everything. Absolutely everything."

Genevieve nodded, "I know, Mother. I know. I'm just not ready for you to go." Tears began to flood her vision. Bridgette squeezed her daughter's hand, as hard as she could, though it was light. Her breathing began to waver. Each breath she took became more and more shallow. She knew this was it.

"I know that neither of you are ready. I wouldn't be either, but you have each other and you will always have my love." Bridgette looked one last time at her small yet beautiful family that she had made and exhaled her final breath with a smile.