There has been a death in the family. My Mother-in-Law's Mother, Joy. Joy had been suffering a series of long illnesses, and to my heart - I hope it makes sense to say - that it gives me, and her family relief to know, she suffers no more.
But the very realness of death has been very sad to my soul. And although I live in the absolute knowledge and understanding of God's Heaven - the spiritual overcoming of the physical - I still have been shocked, saddened, confused and listening, for what I can learn about life, through this death.
What I have learned is encompassed within a phrase used by people all the time in the day-to-day - but I feel it keenly today, after helping to cater for, and attending the wake. The phrase is that, life is short;
And the older I get the more I realise the truth and value in such a phrase. Because we don't know the end of our lives here on Earth. We only know this moment! We can be certain of nothing more...We shouldn't expect a new day tomorrow! We should wake with it and rejoice in the privilege, of a new chance to be better at loving others with a selfless heart. Any other pursuit, will fundamentally not bless you.
So it is here I must end, and say - to say the least it's been like a week long wake, with still more serving to do... I have been called upon to sing which is something I do willingly, and place myself at the family's service.
Praying for all, and giving special honourable mention to Maurice and Maureen for their love and dedication to Nana Joy every single day of her home based nursing care.
Mum and Dad, you have taught us kids so much this week through your sacrifice.
I'm sorry for the pain of the world on your shoulders. Your love never goes unnoticed by me, or the rest of your children.
I'm sorry for the pain of the world on your shoulders. Your love never goes unnoticed by me, or the rest of your children.
Shell xx
Oh my dear friend, I feel the weight of your feeling and grief right now. I wish I could bear some of it for you. I thank you, always, for your honest and thoughtful words... I agree wholeheartedly that we should always be rejoicing and thankful for each moment we have in this short life; to understand what we can about the world, learn more about He who loved us first, to give, and of course to love. I think there is a great comfort too in knowing that we cannot rely on our own strength or understanding alone... Isaiah 40 comes to mind:
ReplyDelete"Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable...
Oh my Shell, I am so sorry for the loss and the loss of your loved one's dear one. I too feel your heavy heart and wish there was more than words for me to say. I do totally understand the relief there is when a loved one passes and suffers no more, such as in the loss of my sister to cancer years ago. I take so much comfort in the fact that I know she will never suffer, ever again and she is more than happy where she is. Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteOh honey, it's never easy is it? I send you all my love x x
ReplyDeleteIm really sorry for you and all your family loss, we are thinking of you of you all. I only meant her a few times but she truly seemed like a strong women.
ReplyDeleteAll our love Sarah, Chris, Joel and Chloe xx