glimpsing the pains

as i looked upon my grandfather yesterday, as he took one laborious breath after the next, i was suddenly aware of the recitation in the background.

Say: Do you argue with us about God?
He is our Sustainer as well as your Sustainer -
and unto us shall be accounted our deeds, and unto you, your deeds;
and it is unto Him alone that we devote ourselves.
(Al-Baqarah:139)

and already in this world, we begin to answer for ourselves.

Oh Most Merciful and Forgiving, show mercy and forgive us.