Some days you just need to give a shout out to loved ones! This week my Uncle Larry was promoted to his heavenly home. He represented many things in his life. When I spoke to him recently, he was telling me he was grateful that our family, like his, adopted children. He was blessed as a Father to four beautiful daughters when he was stationed in the Philippines’. He told me he had really wanted a son when they were there. They went to adopt a boy. His eyes found his fifth child and they left with yet another beautiful daughter. Growing up I have fond memories of happy times with all the girls in his and our family!

His first grandchild was the gift of a boy! He also helped raise this boy into a fine man. I know he was proud of all his children. His legacy includes 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren! As I sat behind them all, I smiled as they filled four very long pews in the church.

My Uncle retired from the Air Force. ( Actually a few other places as well!) It was a beautiful day to see him honored for his service. I was in awe of the respect he was given from the Military and it was certainly earned.

The most difficult part for me, was seeing his 100 year old mother sitting in the front row. She has outlived all three of her children and two husbands. She bowls twice a week and still drives herself! On Christmas Eve she will be 101. As a grieving mother, half her age, I cannot begin to imagine all that she has seen and felt in her heart. Holding her hand before the service I was able to tell her that she was amazing. My Aunt and Uncle had also felt the pain of losing a child, as one of their daughters left several years ago. No parent should ever have to bury a child or grandchild, no matter their age. I believe that it is at these times that we all have a choice. We turn to God knowing his goodness and mercy…or not. Who better than He, knows what loss is? He gave His only son to die on the cross so that we can live eternally.  What greater love is there than that? The peace that passeth all understanding can only come from one place. I have been blessed to feel it in the midst of crisis and it will change your life instantly.

I see grief as an ocean. Some days it is calm in my heart and others the waters can rise and waves crash. Once in a while the waves move up quickly with intent to drown us in sorrow.  Our lifeguard walks on water.  My Uncle shared with me that he was not afraid and that I should go outside and look at his new car. 🙂 He said he was sorry he kept falling asleep as we spoke. I told him he should rest. He told me where he was going he would have plenty of time for rest. I laughed and said, you never know, it may be an eternal celebration that you will need your energy for! He lived a full and happy life with many surrounding him in love. What an honor to be his niece and to know that I will see him again…in a little while.

Peace & Love,

MamaC

Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.  Jude 1:21