Although All Saint’s Day in November is the time when some recognize the deaths of those who have gone before us, I choose to do so between Palm Sunday and Easter.  It’s not morbid, to me, because I *know* where my loved ones are!  And were it not for Jesus dying on the cross, I couldn’t be so humble (and joyous) about what happens to their/our souls after death.

I’d like to take just a minute to say the first things that comes to mind about some of my family & friends who have passed on, to sit at the right hand of God the Father.  And to just remember the reason they live on forever is because of one miraculous Man who gave His life for all of us:

1. Jamie (baby brother) – I don’t remember you, but I do remember your death.  It was the beginning of the end for our mother.
2. Dad – Your death tore our world apart in so many ways.  I wish you hadn’t suffered for 6 months, but those you left behind have suffered for a lifetime.
3. Mom – Your death made 5 children orphans.  I forgave you when I was confirmed.   Thank you for giving me life.
4. Christy (foster sister) – Your death was hard, as you were younger than I was and I slept in the room where your funeral dress laid on your bed for a month before you passed.  It was horrendous on your parents, and I moved away from their home because of their grief as I felt I was a hinderance in their lives.
5. Grandma S. – You died without an apology from my sibling, even though you begged me to help you understand her actions.  I hope you have found it to forgive her, now, though it broke your heart then.
6. Gramma from Tramma – You were my rock.  The one who loved me unconditionally my entire life.  I thank you for allowing me to be your favorite.  I am blessed, to this day, because of that love.
7. Grandpa H. – “now that’s”
8. Mike (older brother) – I thank you for being my brother and I miss you every single day – especially when my son shows some of the tendencies that you had as a child – watching cartoons all day long, trying to get out of doing chores, giggling over the goofy antics of his sisters and buying him husky jeans.  So far, though, he still has all of his hair!
9. Tom (FIL) – I thank you for being such a wonderful father to my husband – as he’s been trained well in how to be a man, a husband and a father.
10. Grandmother (GMIL) – I was blessed to be the only person to see you take your last breath – it was a “God moment” and I didn’t share it with anyone because I felt compelled to just watch in awe.  What peace and joy I found from your gracious exit – and the legacy of a very long and happy life to share with our children.

There are more, of course, who have been in and out of my life…but, these 10 listed have been the ones who changed the course of my life in the most profound ways.

And for these losses, I will await the clearing of the altar and silently exit the church on Maundy Thursday.  I will sing songs of praise, with the help of the angels above, on Good Friday.  And on Easter, oh joy, I will kiss my family and hug those around me with words that I’ve said over and over again through the years:  HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!  Thanks be to God!