A Temporary Goodbye

Mom's death was no surprise. In fact, it was a prayed for blessing. Knowing that she no longer lives in pain and confusion and is actually in the presence of the living Jesus is something that gives much hope and peace to my soul. The time spent as we gathered to say an earthly goodbye to Mom was precious beyond words. I have been blessed with a God loved and God loving family and I thank that God for the time we were able to spend together, remembering and looking forward to the time when there are no more goodbyes.

Mom is gone.

But life goes on.
There are memory boards to be assembled....

...songs to be chosen and practiced
(and new views to be explored)...

...meals to be put together,

prayed over,

and enjoyed.

There are moments to be cherished...

...sprinklers to be run through...

...trees to be climbed....

...musical fun to be sung,

including personalized compose-as-you-go songs by this guy
 for several of the children, to their dismay when they were the subject
 and their amusement when it was someone else in the spotlight!

There was lunch at MOAB (Meal On A Bun) in Modesto,
one of two dining out establishments I remember eating at as a child...

..... learning about grave digging

and burial.

The little ones watched and learned as sons and a grandson,
 nephews, a brother and friends filled the grave.

And then those little great-grandsons
followed the example set and helped.

There is life to be lived.
Lessons to be taught and learned.
Examples to be set.
May we be children who redeem the time and live to the fullest,
to the glory of the God who gives life and takes life away. 

                              

The Tomb is Empty.
There is a Hope!