I know that you are in the best place imaginable. I am thankful that you are no longer in pain. But today the distance and the separation is way too far. I see your name in my phone and I want to call or text you. I still send you emails because I imagine you reading them up in Heaven. And I can just imagine your bright smile, full of the most joy we have ever witnessed, shining forth the living and vibrant love of Jesus.
It is a strange paradox to have joy knowing that you are in the presence of Jesus, in our forever home, yet desperately longing for your presence by my side. I am thankful that your body has been rid of disease; that you have been fully restored. I remember slowly, as the years went by, your frame became smaller and weaker. Despite that, your hugs brought such peace. I always enjoyed feeling your arms around me, as I was safe in your arms as your daughter. That was something that I never outgrew. It was as if love was holding me, pure love. What a taste of Heaven that was. I thank God for that gift.
Not having you here has been difficult because I enjoyed being with you. We didn’t need to say anything at all. Just knowing that we were together was enough because I already knew how much you loved me. This was why, even as you lay dying in the hospital, I still wanted to be with you as long as I possibly could. Even at the funeral home, I just sat by your coffin because my mind and heart were still working through the fact that even though your body was there your spirit was not. I knew that once the coffin was shut, and we lay your lifeless body to rest, that I would no longer have my beautiful Mom to look upon, or hold. I had to tell myself to leave you there because my future was with the living.
I still cry when I go to the mall. We had the best shopping days. You taught me how to be the best clearance shopper around! But Mom, when hard times come, I miss having you to talk through them. I miss the connection that we had. There is no one like you. You literally were the only one I trusted with such things. Now that is gone, the dark days seem a lot darker. I am thankful that God holds me. I am thankful that Heaven is my home, and one day, this will all be a memory.
I tell J all of the time that you are helping prepare for a big party; that you beat us there and get to wait with excitement for when we get there. This seems to help her grapple with the thought that you will never be here on earth again to hug her. She must have felt the love like I did because she talks about missing your hugs the most. And as we talk about you together J will say, “It sounds like she was the best Mommy!” And I always reply back, “Yes, she was!” I pray to be the type of Mom you were to me. You were truly the best!
Thank you Mom for loving Jesus! Thank you Mom for being the best! Thank you for all you taught us. Thank you for being present and making the most of every day. Thank you for giving your life for Jesus. I look forward to coffee with you in Heaven. Sending you butterfly kisses now and forever.
LL&CB 
Leave a Reply