Unlike attending a funeral before these times, within the last two months, I traveled to two funerals via cyberspace — Facebook Live. While it\u2019s not the same as being there in person to support and encourage those whose loved one passed on, it is a blessing to be in this technology age that affords us the opportunity to watch from the comfort of our homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such was the case on Tuesday, when I, from my home in Frisco, TX and my dear 97-year-old mother-in-law in Tulsa, OK, could go all the way to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada via Facebook Live for the funeral\/memorial service of mom\u2019s 92-year-old sister. We watched it all as my cousins and mom’s nieces and nephews sang and gave beautiful remarks about their mom and grandmother. The theme throughout was Alma’s love for her Lord, her knowledge of God’s Word, always quoting scriptures, singing about Him with her sisters, leading her children to Him, her hospality, the best baker of sweets — oh, those tarts — and loving her family with all her heart. What a legacy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Auntie Alma\u2019s health drastically declined over the last few months. Mom, the older sister at 97, would daily call her to check in and to encourage her until she was hospitalized. Mom told me she\u2019d say to Alma: \u201cI\u2019m calling to make you laugh again!\u201d And, every time, Alma\u2019s spirit was lifted. One such time, Mom said: \u201cAlma, do you remember when playing Hide and Go Seek, we were all found but we couldn\u2019t find you? We looked and looked but you were nowhere to be found. We were so worried we ran in and told Dad. He came out with his lantern, went straight to his Model T in the garage and found you on the floor board, sound asleep.\u201d The last time mom was able to talk to Alma she told mom, \u201cI\u2019m just too tired to talk today.\u201d Then, Mom starting praying that the Lord would take her home. He did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My cousin let me know about Auntie Alma’s passing on and I let Karen, my sis-in-law know. She found the best time to tell mom. When she told her, mom raised her hands to heaven and shouted: \u201cHallelujah!\u201d I called then to check on her and she was in a rejoicing-state-of-mind! \u201cI didn’t shed a tear and have no sorrow. She\u2019s where I want to be. I remember when we talked about our ten siblings already in heaven and only two seats remained at the table for Alma and me. We wondered which one of us would take the next seat. Now, there\u2019s just one seat left and I\u2019ll soon take it and close the door behind me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love mom\u2019s spirit. She is the last of the 12 siblings on this side of heaven. She is still so on purpose with her life. Only God knows how much longer she\u2019ll be here, but I love her attitude. No grief. No mourning. She just keeps saying \u201cSee ya\u2019 later\u201d to those that go before her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From my own firsthand experience, I know about “passing on” of my husband, parents, and all my siblings. Notice I say \u201cPass on \u2013 not pass away\u201d. \u201cAway\u201d sounds like over and done with, but \u201con\u201d is like going ON home, going ON a vacation, carrying ON. So, like Mom said \u201cSee ya\u2019 later\u201d to Alma \u2013 that\u2019s the eternal perspective we can have too! Parting is just temporary!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alma\u2019s bags were packed. (Actually, I think Mom, mentally, has her bags packed, too). One of these days, Mom\u2019s prayers will be answered, and she\u2019ll walk through the door to eternity. Mom was Auntie Alma’s midwife. She helped push her through that door. And here\u2019s the best news for us. We’ll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. Our loved ones, there before us, will be on the sidelines cheering for us as we cross our Finish Line. In the meantime, let’s give our best to God in each day while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with you! I’ll see ya’ later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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