Five Minute Friday: Loss

Loss...when I think of the word loss I think of the friendships that have broken and the loved ones who have passed on the Heaven. Its hard to really now how to begin on this post---so please excuse my ramblings. The first time I ever remember losing someone I loved was in 1994, when my Aunt Theresa came to visit. I really do not remember much about her...expect that she loved God, sewed, played the piano, drew, and had the voice of an angel. She came to visit almost a month before she passed away. What a wonderful time it was with her. My aunt was the once that gave me the love for music and there are times I dream of singing like her. She drew me the following picture. My mother framed it for me when I was 13 and I will always treasure it---more than any picture that hangs in my house. My Uncle David was a second instance, he passed away when I was 13 from hear failure. I prayed for months that he would be able to get a new heart so he can take me hunting. I remember his smile and his hugs. We both had open heart surgery around the same time and we would compare our "zippers" (scars) to see whose would heal quicker. The third, was several years ago, when my assistant pastor and work supervisor took me aside after school..my mom had called me to tell that my precious Aunt Phyllis had lost her battle from cancer and was now in Heaven. My heart was broken and I couldn't stop crying (even as I am writing this I am beginning to tear up).My Aunt Phyllis gave me my love for books and for reading them. She took the time to braid my hair and to read to me growing up. When I was older and my family moved away, she came to both my high-school and college graduation. My college graduation was the last time I saw her. I was unable to go to her funeral because of living in Florida. Its so hard to say goodbye to those you love....especially those people who mean the world to you. I still get sad when I think that it may be a long time until I get to see them again...but I am thankful to know that someday when the Lord returns I will get to see them ---I will get to meet the grandmother I never met, I will get to give the family members I lost a hug---I even like to think that they are looking down at me seeing what I am doing today.
(and as I was writing this the song Christmas Shoes came on my Pandora radio)

Aunt Theresa

Aunt Phyllis