Today, they tell me on the television that it is Fat Tuesday...and also that they were going to be naming the Dancing with the Stars dancers. Both of these things though maybe not another day...today I think of Mary. My friend...my co-worker...friends of my children's mother...all of which today I just think...GONE! Mary and her husband are on a cool adventure...and though it may be snowing there...they are living on a beautiful ranch...doing what they love. So though I may be sad to have her leave...we have worked together 10 years...I am happy for this phase in her life. Probably another blog...another day...
Before she left...as I was driving to work and the song came on by Passenger...Let her go...and it seemed intentional that I heard that song as I was flicking and had heard another song and stopped and then it came on. As I thought of the words...only know you love her when you let her go. I had thought about this song being for Mary...and I confess that it is hard to let her go...but I do love this special friend! And so I know she is going anyway...but I need to let her go in the way I am happy for her!
However, as Mary and I went on our walk that day. We prayed for her brother and his wife Sherry. Sherry in a battle with cancer...and it seemed that song...was a prayer for Sherry's family. Having been in that place with my dad...I feel that those who are fighting and suffering hang on for those of us until we can let them go. Though they are going to a Better Place...we left behind have a part of our hearts missing in saying goodbye. I include a picture of Mary and her family looking at my mom and dad's headstone...
Now I in no way compare Mary's leaving with that of Sherry...yet they both are missed. And before Mary left...we got the news that Sherry had passed...seems like the words Mary shared. Thinking of Sherry and her family...and I go to the funeral. Such a beautiful almost spring like day as I walked into the church. As I felt the sun shining on my face and the buds on the trees...I thought of my brother talking of spring was coming...the trees were budding and all kinds of skunks out and about. And as I walk I can picture Sherry's smile. From so many that was their memory...her smile. I look to the sky and can picture her...surrounded by spring...SINGING...I wonder if there are skunks in heaven? I smile at this vision almost I have and when attending her funeral...it is mentioned of her love of music. When I go in to sit down, I first sit in an open seat to which they tell me that is for the singers...even though they offered to let me join them. I assured them that they would not want that. I move up the crowded church and see a pew that is right in front of the "singers" but not sure it is reserved or not...so I go and ask if this is singers to which this woman says she is not. And we sit together and in waiting I ask how she knew Sherry...she says a friend from LaJunta...their kids grew up together...Friendship...so many there saying farewell my friend...my family...one of my people. That is what she was to Mary...one of her "people"! Those that are part of your circle...you know...your "people"!
And at the cemetery I stand behind three women with their arms wrapped around each other singing...letting her go...standing there with Mary we see Sherry's mother-in-law and one of her granddaughters...holding flowers...and Mary says there is a picture...so I take one. Then as I watch I see this cute little red head...a precious jewel...and she in a place of thought...two roses in their own rights. I think of the little ones and their thoughts and though those we love are not where we can see them...they are with us....a gift of love that never lets go...
I seen a poem that I took Sherry had written...I think of her smiles...though I think of those who love her left behind and as I drove...I heard Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day...the words catch me..."To everyone who's lost someone they love...Long before it was their time..." And I include it for those who are wanting comfort and peace...Often people think the funeral is over...but it is often when we begin living back in our normal routines...that is when it hits the hardest...that is when prayers of comfort and strength are needed...
I am reminded of when I first met Sherry...it wasn't through Mary but while I was taking classes at OJC...and I just remember her more as the lady who almost always had a smile. Though I didn't have many dealings with her...I can picture her as clear as day smiling...and then later I found out that she was family to my friend...and we talked of how many people when talking of Sherry described her with smiles...and so I pull up another picture I snapped and though I love the one above of her granddaughter and Tillie...they are both serious but when they seen me with the camera they looked at me and smiled. You trained them well Sherry...
And I loved hearing them talk of Sherry being a sister picture taker...And so for Sherry we should smile because she no longer suffers...her faith is an inspiration...and to be remembered by so many as one who was always smiling...a gift! And so in some ways we let those we love go...but a piece of them forever stays in our hearts!
I took a picture of the sunrise on the day of Sherry's funeral...often I capture sunsets...but Sherry's was a sunrise...and this verse...seems to be a gift...
And in looking for a picture of Sherry....I include her poem...if you look close you can read...and you can see her beautiful smile...We are thankful for this life of this woman we have been blessed to know!
Godspeed...
lyp
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