Hello, God. It's me, Mara

You know, Lord, another friend slipped off to You, and then this piece showed up, author unknown. Just sharing as we grieve, knowing our dear one has gone on ahead:

"Grief like a mantel covers me. We'd kissed good-bye - then astonishment and shock. Who knew you'd soon fly away? Sorrow like the sky - over everything. Tears engulf me - their release is healing. You, dear one, breathed in, breathed out - then breathed no more. Grief like a black hole paralyzes - loneliness and depression attend.

"Teach me the glory of the thorns, my Lord. Our dear one's soul and spirit went home - now abides with You, Jesus. But guilt makes itself known to me ... whispering: 'What if ... What if ... What if ... .'

"Anger, a physical pain 'we' wear as a cloak, cause Rage and Fury to rear their ugly heads. We question, 'Why him...' 'Why me...' 'Why now ... .' Inertia sets in - listlessness dogs our heels. Jesus, is that YOU - waiting for me, there in the shadow?

"The day will dawn. Hope will rise up again. Our tears have made rainbows. We do not sorrow as those who have no hope, for one day soon, we will meet again ... and we will forever be with You Jesus, our Lord and Savior."

But while we wait, we hear a meadowlark - how special. And then - low and behold some tulips peek out - they are going to be scarlet. Have to fill the bird bath as there are robins nearby checking things out ... like an invitation to a party? Then crab tree blossoms seem about to burst open - ah spring.

We must pray for those who fall - let us never grow weary of praying, Dear Lord. Thank You for spring and for all the special, precious things You do for us. We can hardly wait to meet You and be with our dear ones once again. Thank You, Lord.

Love, Mara