We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
(2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)
We know it happens, people are admitted into hospitals all the time, and terrific things can happen. Or, on the opposite side of the coin, fatal errors can occur resulting in a horrific outcome. The first reaction is, “we want someone held accountable.” Then, we might revisit the scenario over and over, followed by the “what ifs?” or “if only” which begin to plague your mind.
The weeks that followed my dad’s death were spent in a “fog” of emptiness and longing. I’ve never missed anyone so much nor felt such a hollowness deep within. I found myself picking up the phone to call him, or to ask his guidance in a situation. I wanted to hear his voice, “one more time.” I went to sleep praying that I’d dream about him, just to see him again, alive and thriving. I just missed him…so much.
We got through it as a family, united by our grief and comforted by memories of an incredible man, husband, father, and grandfather. Many came to talk about his amazing ways, and his gift of humor and wisdom.
Somewhere along the way the suffocating grief lifted so that we could “catch our breath again”—but the searing hot emotional pain remained, for the longest time.
It’s been over 19 years since his death and I still “miss him” but the open wounds have closed and a small scar remains. However, the love, and the memories are alive, and well in my heart and mind.
Then the same thing happened with my Mom’s passing almost 4 years ago this May. It was suffocating, I missed her more than I can say, and I wanted to call her about every five minutes of any given day. We got through it again as a family, and spoke about her meek and gentle ways, her loving and compassionate nature. And how fortunate to have had her as long as we did.
Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted…”(Matthew 5:4 KJV)
The Beatitudes have always been a comfort to me and during the dark days of grieving, it was what sustained me. It was God nourishing me and holding me up that got me through it. And of course, we know that Dad and Mom are with God right this moment, and that is what made all the difference in how we viewed their deaths overall.
I praise God for showing me that the way my father died was a gift and blessing. How? Well, the fact that he didn’t know what hit him for starters, he was given anesthesia went to sleep and awakened in God’s presence, in his spiritual body, completely alive and full of life. Although the doctor made a fatal error, my Dad woke up in Jesus’ arms.
My Mom, never wanted to be in a hospital, and she almost made it happen. She was admitted into the hospital a day before my birthday, and died on my birthday. She wasn’t in a hospital since my birth…so she was given a miracle too. She was blessed as we were knowing God heard her prayers.
Yes, all of their children are blessed to have had them as parents, but we are also blessed knowing where they both are and that we will see them again, and at that time…in the presence of God!
And, we all will never have to say goodbye again!
That’s the greatest part of being believers and accepting Christ, knowing we will live forever because He loved us so much.
How amazing is that?
Amen.
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
(2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)
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“Note: To those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, I pray that God brings you comfort and that you find solace in knowing they’re with the LORD and that you will see them again. Sorry for your loss and may God’s love and compassion be a salve for your hear and soul until you see the LORD and your loved ones again, amen.”
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