See Ya’ Later!

Unlike driving to and attending a funeral before, in these times since the Covid pandemic, people can travel to the funeral via cyberspace – like the streaming for my dear Mother-in-Law’s funeral tomorrow at 10 am. I don’t know how many will be with us at the funeral home, but I know there will be many who will watch via live streaming. Just in case you’d like to join us, this is the link: https://vimeo.com/761195866

We appreciate those who join our family in this most blessed and “heavenly” time of the Celebration of a Life well lived – either way!

While live streaming isn’t 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 homes or offices or car.

I remember when Mom (at 97) was able to go all the way to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada via Facebook Live for the funeral/memorial service of her 92-year-old sister. That’s how I watched it, too! I saw cousins and mom’s nieces and nephews sing and others give beautiful remarks about their mom and grandmother.

Back then, Auntie Alma’s health drastically declined, and it was Mom Lydia at 97 who called her younger sister regularly, as she had for years before. Mom told me she’d say to Alma: “I’m calling to make you laugh again!” Every time, Alma’s spirit was lifted. Mom would daily call to encourage her sister until she was hospitalized.

One such time, Mom said: “Alma, do you remember when playing Hide and Go Seek, we were all found but we couldn’t 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 floorboard, sound asleep.”

The last time mom was able to talk to Alma she told mom, “I’m just too tired to talk today.” Then, Mom started praying that the Lord would take her home. He did.

I remember when Karen told Mom that her sister Alma had passed. Mom immediately raised her hands to heaven and shouted: “Hallelujah!” When I called to check on her, she was in a rejoicing-state-of-mind! She said: “I didn’t shed a tear and I have no sorrow.”

I loved that! Here’s my take! When someone at this age passes after living a most blessed life, we should never say “I’m sorry for your loss!” Lord, have mercy! It is no loss because we enjoyed them for so many years, and best of all, they are where they’ve longed to be — in the presence of their Lord and Savior.

Mom went on…..”She’s 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’s just one seat left and I’ll soon take it and close the door behind me.” And that’s what Mom did when she left for heaven last Saturday.

Mom was the last of the 12 siblings to go home. She was on purpose with her life right through to the end. She just kept saying “See ya’ later” to those that went before her.

Mom’s bags, mentally, were packed. Her prayers were answered, and she walked through the door to eternity. Mom was Auntie Alma’s midwife. She helped push her through that door. Karen and I were Mom’s midwives.

And here’s 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!