I appreciate your words, Martha. My heart aches for my own loss of my friend, but also for the greater grief that his wife and daughter and grandkids live with every single day. 🙁 But knowing of the rejoicing on the other side does help.

Yes, I remember that horrible proximity of you losing two such precious members of your family, Linda. 🙁 Amidst your move, etc. So much change at one time—even when some of the changes were positive ones—is definitely difficult to navigate when one is grieving. Grief is such an overwhelming emotion. I’m so grateful God speaks peace through it all, too. I appreciate you leaving this word here today.

I’m sorry about you losing your mother, Catherine. I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s. For the first few years afterward, whenever I would dream of her, she still had Alzheimer’s. But gradually my dreams of her returned to my pre-Alzheimer’s Mom. I’m glad you’re able to remember your mom, too, as the strong person she was most of her life. And knowing that she is even stronger now! That brings me joy when I think of my own mom as whole and happier than ever.

I agree, Michele. Having our theology of hope does bring some light into hard situations. Without it, the world would be a much darker place at every funeral.

Exactly, Laurie. I’m so happy for Stan and his mom. Stan and Kathy also had lost a daughter, Lori, in a horrible car wreck when she was only 10 years old. The thought of Stan and Lori’s reunion when Stan made it home to her brings me such joy. But yes, for those of us still on this side, we miss them all and grieve. 🙁

Your post brought tears to my eyes, Bill. What a hard journey that family has faced. I’m sure they appreciate all the time and prayers and love you have given them, and will continue to show them. The temporary separation of death still brings us lots of pain, but yes, praise God that one day our faith will be made sight.