Yesterday our family said goodbye to my aunt Nonie. She is definitely one whose smile and kind words will be missed but she was ready for heaven and the freedom it would bring her. No more cancer. No more limitations. Vibrancy and strength are hers once again.
As we sat in the church together I remembered the other funerals we have had there and the weddings as well. My Aunt Linda remembered sitting in those pews as a child with her parents, my grandparents. I looked around at my cousins, aunts and uncles and had thankfulness in my heart for my family, my heritage.
I remembered Fourth of July family reunions in Yoctangee Park. We drank Yahoo, played together all day long and went to the carnival compliments of grandpa who gave each of us some money to spend as we wished. There were the weeks in the summer when my sister and I stayed with our cousins and got to ride horses, learn to play the piano, drive down the lane with just us four kids in the car (!), get thrown into the swimming pool, run away from the haunted house and walk the streets of Frankfort together.
I have memories of visiting an aunt and uncle on their farm and seeing baby pigs and big farm equipment up close. I remember watching older cousins; they seemed bigger than life to me. I was in awe that I had an uncle who would ride bulls and aunts who gardened and canned the goods. My grandpa’s flowers and grandma’s stacks of The Upper Room are things I remember.
Now, years later, I still love giving and receiving hugs from those precious people who are entwined with my life. I enjoy seeing their smiles and hearing them laugh and tell stories – even if they do include skiing incidents I’d rather forget! It’s fun to see my dad with his sisters and be reminded of how God has blessed them.
Seeing pictures of my aunt Nonie and uncle Leon together made me feel so good inside. She hasn’t seen him in almost 20 years. Then I realized she hasn’t seen her mom and dad in over 30 years! I can’t imagine what it would be like not to see my parents for 30 years and then, in the blink of an eye, be right where they are! There are others – brothers, friends, a grandchild – who at this moment are enjoying with her what we here will be missing. What my aunt must feel! What she must be experiencing! It should make us all jealous and anxious for the adventure with Jesus that awaits us after this life.
Pouring yourself into the lives of others is never a waste of time. Sharing smiles, laughter and time binds us together. Though it ends here on earth, Jesus has made a way for it to continue forever and I am definitely going to enjoy the reunion that is promised in heaven! Save a place at the table for me Handsome; no doubt you’ve seen my aunt by now and we’ll all have some catching up to do.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.
All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:4 NLT
JEV 