It's Hard to Lose a Loved One to the Grave

Today I had the occasion to write a note of sympathy to a friend on the loss of his father.  Before I wrote, I thought of all the people in my life that are now gone and the empty spots they have left in my heart.  I am so very thankful that I believe in a God who has promised that this life is not all there is---that we have the hope of seeing our loved ones again.  What a comfort that promise has been to me over the years.

Here is what I wrote to my friend: 

Just wanted you to know we were so sorry to hear about Chuck's dad.


When I was 8, my great grandfather died. I didn't know him very well, but I remember going to my room and crying for what seemed like hours.

My mother came in to comfort me, and I had to confess I wasn't crying so much about my grandfather---I was crying because I realized for the first time tha...t SHE might die. She promised me that she wouldn't die for a long, long time; probably not until I was a grown up woman, so I wouldn't be needing her any more. I finally quit crying, and went out to play.

My mother kept her promise, and didn't die until she was 91, but she was wrong about one thing. There are lots of times I still need her. I guess, no matter how old we get, losing someone we care about is never easy.