This has been a month heavy with funerals. The one bit of solace I can share is that in all cases – at least those that were very close and personal to us — the deaths had been a friend. Yes, you read that right. The deaths themselves had come as friends, and not enemies.
At Troy’s grandmother’s funeral on March 1, her dear younger brother, the Reverend Sam Hofer, offered some parting words of solace. Though he is a pastor, I’ve always heard him referred to as “Uncle Sam.” He is a delight of a man with so much wisdom about him. He spoke of his sister’s death as one having belonged to the category of a friendly death, not one that had arrived as an enemy.
Gladys and Sam also had lost two twin sisters in infancy, and so for them, death was a reality, and eternal life, also a reality. They wanted to see their mama again someday, and so they set about their lives with keen vision fixed on this possibility.
Uncle Sam did so as a devoted family man and preacher, and Gladys, as the soul of her home. Her homemade, fresh-from-the-garden meals were unparalleled perfection. Her apple pie? Truly incredible. Her home-canned pickles? Well, I will miss them nearly as much as her, I have to admit!
But, it was time for her to be united with her loves again — with Grandpa John and with Jesus and all those she has missed so much. I am happy for her for that alone. What a prize!
It is entirely fitting, because of this musical connection, that after years of hoping someday my daughters and I would have a chance to sing together, this opportunity finally happened at Grandma’s funeral. The three of us, with Troy, her grandson, on guitar, sang that sweet, beautiful woman into God’s arms. It was a joy and honor.
If you care to listen, here are the two songs we offered that day.
Amazing Grace – My Chains Are Gone
Rest in the eternal light of Christ, Grandma. We love you!
Roxane – this is so special and of course beautifully written.
Kelly
Kelly, XOXO.