I know that I have started and stopped this blog post at least 20 times in the last few weeks. I've had a lot to say, but for whatever reason I have been unable to set words to the page until now. So as I sit, in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning I am overcome by this feeling of being blessed.
I was looking for bible verses this morning. Nothing was more fitting than Ecclesiastes 3. There is a time for everything..... It pretty much sums up the feelings that I am having at this time of year. I am always nostalgic during the holidays, but our family suffered an unexpected tragedy this week and it made those feelings much more real.
My family came together to celebrate the life of my uncle Jimmy Frank. He passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Seeing everyone together reminded me of all the holidays past when we would all come together at the river at Granny and Pa's house for Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever other holiday. Those are some of my fondest memories.
It was a sad day but it was a joyful one because I know that Uncle Jimmy knew Jesus and Jesus knew him. Everyone sat around sharing family stories. There was laughter and there were tears shed. There were lots of hugs and "I Love You's".
After my pa Robertson, my mother was the first of her family to pass away. I always thought that was pretty fitting since she seemed to be the hub of the family. She was the one who did most of the arranging and preparing for family gatherings. In my mind it made sense that she would go first. Just after her was my granny and then her two brothers would follow in their time. In my mind I can see her standing on a beautiful porch calling to her loved ones to come to gather.
I can see her making the preparations for each of them, making sure that all their favorite things are waiting for them. I can see her hugging their necks once they arrive. I know she was glad to see them once they got there. I don't know if that's really the way it happened, but that's the way it happened in my head and it really does help with the sadness I feel at their passing.
I don't have any words of wisdom for those who will celebrate their first holiday seasons without loved ones. All I can say is that the first ones are awful and the ones that come after them aren't much better. I can say that I am rejoicing in the fact that I know my loved ones knew Jesus and that his Gospel would ensure their everlasting life. They knew, just like I know, that this earth is not our t home. It's just a stop over to paradise. So while I will miss them, for now, I know that we will be together again. What a glorious day of Thanksgiving that will be!!!
