Saying Goodbye.....and after

On Sunday we had to say goodbye to our nephew who passed from this life at the early age of 27. And in doing this, it made me reflect on my own children; and my sister and brother in law and their loss. When Tony died, all of the lives of the people who love him are affected also. All too often after the death of a loved one or friend we feel like a part of us has died too. Never having lost a child, I haven't felt the loss my sister and brother in law were feeling.

All I could do was to hug them, and tell them we are here for them. And in this, we are following the commandment of Christ, to love one another, for in your love for one another the world will know you are Mine. Jesus tells us blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. We know that Jesus wept when He was told that His friend Lazarus had died. And so we all wept this weekend too, and will continue to as the need arises.

For reasons unknown to us, it was Tony's appointed time to go home. We have the comfort in knowing that he had obeyed the gospel and was a child of God. "Amazing Grace" was played during the services, and like the song says and the speaker pointed out, the earthy chains that hold us bound "have fallen away" and we are "set free". Tony is free now, free from the cares and troubles of the world.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) Lyrics
Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine
You are forever mine

I have five children of my own, three who are "grown" and on their own; and two still at home. And all I wanted to do was to gather them all to me and hug them as close as possible. God gives us our children and by His example shows us how we are to love and care for them. And we do for the rest of our and their lives. But then they "grow up" and want to be on their own, and for the most part we encourage them to do so. But at times like these, we wish we could protect them forever.

So this week, hug your kiddos. Tell them you love them. Remind them that God loves them too. And remember that God loves you too.