Goodbye to a Friend

Stop, look, and listen; don't let grief steal your joy.
It is so hard to say goodbye, of course, it is unless we know that it's temporary.

At some point in the process, we can ground our grief in joy, the joy of knowing the distance is fleeting. I remember losing my dad; it was bewildering. For some time, it was hard to think of him without sadness. Then one night it changed.

It was about two years post his passing. I was driving in my car and started to cramp in my side, really bad, like unable to breathe bad! As I cradled the steering wheel while driving past a local hospital by way of the highway. I started to pray to God, please, make this pain stop! I want to go home and not to the hospital. Well, it kept on cramping, getting tighter and worse, when all of a sudden, I started talking to my dad. I said, "Hey Dad, God must be busy, and I don't think He can hear my prayer right now. Can you go tap Him on the shoulder and get a girl a little help!" I all of a sudden started to feel the relief of the cramp, beginning to laugh out loud that my prayer to my dad had worked.

Now, I talk to him like that all the time, and I speak to God the same way. They are so close this way, and I love that.
Knowing that pain is guttural, evil wants nothing more than for us to feel separation giving in to the pull of connectivity. The truth is, God's hands are enormous, and He holds all of our loves in them right along with us until the most brilliant reunion. It is going to be the best party ever!!!!!!!!

Saying goodbye’s never easy,

Hello seems so far away,

Time will stand still,

In the moments,

When your memory

Plays through their day.

So many things to remember,

The laughter, pure joy,

And, the pain.

But they will think of you fondly,

Knowing you always would say,

Don’t cry my loves,

I was with you,

In the morning, at noon, and night.

In the moments we shared,

The times that we cared,

And even the little ole fights.

You can still have me there.

In those moments,

The good ones,

The sad and,

in play.

Just remember to summon my angels,

So they can then bring me your way.

They are here with me now in the heavens.

They are there on your earth down below.

No matter the pain we are feeling,

One day all this distance will go.

That day we will run with amazement.

When finally we’re in the same place.

I’ll be the one that is waiting,

With a radiant, smiling face.

The joy that I have is unique.

And although, I miss you the most.

I really must say, it’s quite lovely,

We have the most fabulous Host.

His name there is no need to mention,

It’s called out in different ways.

But, no matter how we call Him,

His answer seems to remain.

I will always protect you,

I have loved you, all of your days.

So in your moments of waiting,

Within these hands, you will stay.

So, my loves, try not to be blue,

For the time that lies in between,

Always remember I’m with you,

Even when you cannot see.

Though it is hard on belief,

I am happy and want you to know,

From all of the pain and the grief.

Close your eyes; I am there in the glow.

When you remember our moments

Know I remember them too.

I will cheer, as you grow, meant,

I have never left you!

(God Bless You All as you dream of your loved ones and remember they are close and always in your heart.)