The woman passed away yesterday.
While I vacuumed pine needles off the floor, debated whether to take down the Christmas tree because it’s hard to let go of things we love.
The frail woman, though surrounded by loved ones had to let go.
One last breath, and her eternal soul flew into the arms of Jesus.
While I, not knowing she was gone, stripped sheets off my guest bed,
And breathed in the lingering scent of my grown son who had returned to his own home.
I LOATHE goodbyes though my heart says, “We’ll be together again.”
When I heard the woman was “walking streets of gold,”
My heart was heavy.
Like it was on New Year’s Eve when I watched my grown son walk away into the airport.
I longed to run after him for one more hug.
Another chance to say I love you.
Even though we know how much we love each other.
Driving home from the airport, I thought about the day before, when we put together a puzzle.
Holiday movies were background noise.
Bowls of half-eaten Chex Mix, and empty candy wrappers sat on the table.
My pants snug.
I placed the last piece into the jigsaw puzzle and declared, “It is finished!”
And a voice within me groaned, “ENOUGH!”
As much as I love the holiday season … family, food, fun … I was ready for routine.
Perhaps the woman was ready.
As much as she loved her family and friends, wanted to celebrate life on Earth one more day,
Perhaps, she’d had “Enough!”
Enough of the endless
Physical pain, medical appointments, hospital visits.
Enough disappointment
As she hung to a thread of hope she’d be restored to good health.
Enough sorrow
To let go and leave behind….
Her favorite things and the precious people she loved.
And be with her Beloved Jesus,
Who “will wipe every tear from their eyes….no more death, mourning, crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)
Today, my Christmas tree comes down.
It’s been up long enough.
I’ll wrap:
A newly-wed couple’s first hand-blown ornaments, faded with age.
Baby’s first Christmas,
A toddler’s photo glued to a felt star
Ceramic candy canes painted by children now grown and gone.
I’ll say goodbye and put them away until …
I was going to say, “Next Christmas.”
But who knows what a year from now brings.
I ONLY KNOW THAT I KNOW THERE’S A HEAVEN.
One day, I’ll be there with the woman,
I never met,
Whom I grew to love,
Because I prayed for her last year.
Together, we’ll be in HEAVEN
Where Saints meet and re-unite.
AND WE CAN NEVER, EVER, GET ENOUGH OF JESUS.
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Even In This 
This brought such peace to my heart as I grieve a sister in the Lord whom we had prayed for for such a long time. She is now pain free…no meds, doctor appointments or hospital visits…just joy and peace and freedom! Thank you Karen….your words — always beautiful…always timely!
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I’m glad the words touched your heart. Even more glad the Lord gave you His peace as you mourn for your sister in Christ.
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It’s just like I said; Goodbyes are only “natural” in a fallen world. In the heavenly world that awaits us, vibrant, unquenchable Life reigns forevermore. Praise God!
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In other words, joy comes in the morning where HELLO AGAIN awaits.
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This a beautiful parallel! I, too, took down my tree today and picked up after family left, and the emotions ring true. I’m a friend of Molly’s and have been following Karen’s journey. It’s so hard to let go, but it’s so good to know we can trust One who has gone before us. We can trust him with the ones we love the most.
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Trusting Christ is the key, isn’t it? And yet, the enemy loves to use sickness and death to make us doubt the goodness of the Lord. If Karen could speak to us now, she’d echo the words of David, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!”
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Karen was my sister in law and your words are such a tribute to her. She was a kind Godly woman with such a gentle spirit… she will be missed by her family and friends and by the many many whose lives were touched by her journey. Thank you again for sharing this….
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Thank you, Amy for the kind words. I believe her family and friends are a testimony of her loving heart. 🙂 May God comfort you as only HE is able.
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Thank you for such precious words. My husband was pastor of a church in the county Karen lived in and we lived there for 10 years. I met her at the library where she was the head children’s librarian. Immediately I knew there was a bond in our souls. It was as if I’d always known this sweet, gentle, lady. We kept in touch through FB the 5 years I’ve been in VA. I’ve prayed fervently for my friend that God would heal…restore her to good health…for her family and those precious grandchildren she loved. Well, He answered and He healed…just not the way I’d asked. Someday…we will walk those streets of gold together.
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Teresa, thank you for sharing. I’m amazed at how many people prayed for Karen. She definitely touched many people’s lives…including mine at the midnight hour of her life.
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Karen, I am a friend of Karen’s. I went to school with her daughter and son. I love these words you wrote in memory of her. They touched my heart. Thank you.
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Jill, I’m glad the words touched you, but give God the glory. I was just the fingertips typing on a set of computer keys. Seems He had a much bigger picture when He prompted me to write this today.
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Such precious words! Thanks for expressing what my heart is feeling. Karen would have loved this post, I am blessed to have had 2 very dear friends named “Karen”. God is so good 🙂
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Like I’ve told you many times. It was a my privilege to pray for Karen. And I was often blessed to read about God’s mercy and miraculous intervention in her life.
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This was pretty tough to read after almost losing my mom yesterday. I know she’s ready as I am. I know that eternal promised home is better than here. I know time is short. I know we need to say “I love you” as often as we can. I know, for now, Jesus is enough, and then. as you said, I won’t, we won’t be able to get enough of HIm! Thanks, Karen
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Oh my goodness, Susan. I had no idea.about your mom. I will keep you and your mom in my prayers. Meanwhile, hold onto Christ’s words to Martha in John 11:25,26….”I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes in me,shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
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