I am always puzzled by the number of people who will attend a funeral, but never really visited with the person when they were alive.
I am touched by beautiful eulogies and wonder if the one being celebrated heard those affirming words before they died.
As a hospice nurse, I was saddened to see people pour out their heart to one who could no longer respond. I saw their pain as they realized it was too late to have the conversations they should have had long before.
I saw people rush to a bedside to be present for the last moment. I saw their pain when they did not make it on time.
I was at the bedside of my mother in law as she transitioned from earth to heaven. I was not present for the moment of transition for my father in law or either of my parents.
But the comfort in their departure came in that I knew we had said everything we wanted to say while they were on earth.
We all knew we loved each other. We knew what an honor it had been to share life together. And we knew that God in His Mercy and Grace would keep us together in His Love forever.
I also came to know that the moment of transition is a Holy Time … an intimate time of release from all that calls to us on earth. Sometimes a person needs to be alone with God for that moment.
So if you are not present, remember that it may be part of God’s Plan. You can be assured they will take all the Love you shared with them and their Love for you will enfold you wherever you are.
But for now, make the visits. Have the conversations. Mend the fences. Forgive and receive forgiveness. Tell them all the things you love about them. Tell them how much you love them. Do it now.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12
