"Tilly"

"Tilly" is a book written by Frank Peretti. It is not a long book, but it is a powerful one. In it, a woman is somehow translated inside her home to heavenly realms. She is married and has two living children. But, during her experience, she meets Tilly, her aborted daughter. Tilly is overjoyed to spend time with her mother, but is also hurt and confused that she was not allowed to experience life on earth with her family. The book is about forgiveness, healing, reunion and reconciliation.

Some of my friends had chosen abortion and were remorseful; other friends had experienced the sorrow of miscarriage. I had never thought of these little ones as being in heaven; it had just never occurred to me. This book was encouraging and hopeful.

Later on, a friend related her story to me. With her permission, I am relating it as best I can, as it is along this theme.

The woman had borne two children. She had also had two abortions. One was at the urging of her doctors and her husband, as, because of some complications, it was doubtful if either she or the baby would live. The other was because, during a time of separation from her husband, she had an affair. She had reconciled with her husband, not realizing she was pregnant.

Years later, when both children were grown, the woman begin to experience health problems. She was scheduled for a delicate surgery in which the odds were, by no means, certain. In talking inwardly to God, she felt He asked her if there was anything she wanted as she prepared for surgery. She responded that she wanted her children with her. Her request was granted as they were both able to be there and at her side in the hours preceding surgery.

After they were asked to leave and she was given anesthesia she had another experience. There were two strong, young men in the room beside her. She thought they must be her guardian angels. She spoke to them; one was responsive and friendly while the other turned his head at her greeting. "Why are you mad at me?" she asked, as the anesthesia took its full affect.

After a successful surgery, she often thought of this encounter, and would frequently ask God, "Why wouldn't the one angel talk to me; why did he seem to be mad at me?"

Tears streamed down her face as realization struck full force, and remorse, love and gratitude filled her heart. Those weren't angels. God had fully granted her request.