"There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve -- even in pain -- the authentic relationship. Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain."
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
There's something in the crisp white of the snow and the way it falls ever so gently today, that makes life seem so peaceful, so beautiful. Life is beautiful, what a wondrous gift our Creator gave each of us that are alive. Even greater than life,however, is the death of one who believed in our Creator. The glorious faith that allows that person to move from earthly sorrow, pain, and struggling toil that life often brings, to a place more suited for a child of God. Heaven is a place that we believe in. It's the palace with streets of gold and pearly gates. One will never cry, for there will be nothing to be sorrowful about, no one will hate for only love encompasses everyone there, hearts our free, bodies are perfect not sick or crippled, and the most wonderful thing above all others- is that they are with their Lord and Savior- the man who chose to die to give them this life of perfect beauty. Today a beautiful lady, with cheeks that felt like velvet when you kissed them, and soft hands that held ours tightly when she hugged us "hello," and a stature that was poised and elegant like a Queens, is accepting her crown full of jewels for a job well done here on earth. Praise God for His love and her willingness to accept Him as her Savior. For though I'd barely begun to see into her heart, I'm going to miss her very much for in the little time that I knew her, she showed love, kindness, and a joy that comes from loving God. What joy it is to know that I will see her again someday, ready with her hair just so and all her pins fastened, to show me what Heaven is like. Thank you Grandmother Center for loving us, we will miss you so much!
