It seems that life has a way of changing quite quickly. Like the John Lennon song goes, “Before you cross the street, take my hand. Life is what happens to you while your busy making other plans.”
On Sunday we learned that my brother in-laws Aunt (the sister of his mother, who just passed) had gone to bed in her warm much loved pajamas and while sleeping peacefully in her own bed, had gone home to Heaven, to be with her husband of 60+ years, and the rest of her loved ones.
Sally was a sweet, warm, funny, kind woman. She was the blond sister to my brother in-laws brunette mother, The two of them looked very much alike facially and they both enjoyed the heck out of their families.
Sally, with her husband, Gene, and Nancy, last year.
Within a two month period, they all passed. Yet now, they are together again.
In fact all of her kids and most of the grandchildren came to Nancy’s service on Saturday. At one point friends had drifted off to go home, but the cousins all stayed behind, just a little bit longer, to reminisce and share their much loved stories of Nancy. Of course this brought in the memories of Nancy’s other brothers and sisters. And at that time, we believed that Sally would be the last, but also we thought she would be around a little longer. The plan was, to have a big family gathering this summer. Something I hope they still will do.
Anyway, after everyone left, I went back to my sister’s house, and we just sort of collapsed. Thankfully, there was plenty to eat, left over from the Memorial Luncheon, so we picked at food, watched the Olympics, until the bed called my name at 10:15 and I fell instantly asleep.
The next morning, my sister got ready to go to church. She sings in their choir each week. She asked if i would go. I was in my pajamas and didn’t feel like going. I know, bad sister!
After she left I started to feel guilty, so I told Ron I was going to get dressed and go with him. I changed, brushed my teeth, and was all set, when Ron’s phone rang, with the news about his Aunt. After his call, we headed to church, and my sister was so happy to see me, as Ron took her aside to tell her the news. And then, my sister was happy to have me there, with her, as she faced another family member, leaving us.
So the weekend was a tough one, yet filled with so much love, and also full of hope. I do believe in God. I do believe in a place where our pain and suffering is gone and we are reunited with those we have loved and lost. Heaven.
I came home and I stood looking at my husband and I reminded him that life is so short. That we need to tell each other every day how much we love each other. How much we love those of us that are near and dear to our hearts. Life goes by so quickly.
Remember, gentle readers, you are loved.
Blessings!
