Greetings,
I wish I had something lighthearted and funny to share with you today but alas, that isn’t the case. I hope however, that in the sobriety of my musings, in the honesty of my reflections, you will be encouraged to give voice, to your own lament – whether it is for a relative, a friend or just the fact of the transient nature of this life.
As I get older [and hopefully wiser], I am embracing with greater passion, the ability to experience life, in the midst of all that is dying around or even within me. I am learning, aided by some of Christian Spirituality’s most revered teachers [check out today’s For Your Reflection post], that grief and loss are mere stopping places, en route to that fuller experience of…heaven.
Today therefore, I share with you my reflections, upon learning of the passing of one with whom I shared a unique friendship, since our years in High School. Our choices in life took us along totally different paths; we made our homes and lived in different countries but neither our choices nor physical distance diminished the respect and love we had for each other.
So, until next time, may you remain in the grip of The One, in whose gracious keeping are loved ones gone before; The One, upon whose love-filled companionship we can depend, as we continue our journeys, on this side of eternity.
Grace+
Remembering
I’m trying to remember when and how we met, but the advancing years have a way of robbing us of certain details, within the realm of memory. What I can recall however, even without having to summon their many and varied images are the carefree days of youth-filled abandon; the little notes shared between us, anticipating a future far removed from the reality that evolved.
I remember, because I cannot forget the telephone chats, many of which were filled with moments of silence. No words were needed; each of us at our end of the line, comfortably content, with just the knowledge of the other’s presence. There was that one time though, when the call was three hours long; that must have been a record in those days. I remember that we talked about everything that was nothing in particular, sending your Joy almost into a coronary, upon arrival of the bill.
I’m trying to remember when and how we realized that ours would be a lifelong friendship, but can only recall that even if nary a word was spoken during the other months of the year, we would always connect in June and October. Ours became an unscored rhythm without a down beat; its melody was a harmony, pure and sweet. I remember there were no ulterior motives, except that on the anniversary of our natal days, there would be a symphonic catching up, a filling as it were, with enough of the soul-filled music of our lives, stories punctuated by cadences of unbridled laughter, to last…till the next time.
I’m trying to remember when or how your health began the slow downward spiral, but can only recall your determined fight…your courage, under the fire of affliction and the hope to which you clung, the knuckles of your brave heart visible, even when the odds seemed stacked against you. Oh my friend, there’s much that I cannot remember and yet, I will not forget that as you celebrated your last birthday on this side, you were surrounded…by love.
So as you engage the journey now, towards that fuller knowledge of eternity, and within the nearer presence of the Almighty, bid a happy farewell to pain, discomfort and the sufferings of this mortal life, remember your friend on this side. For though there’s much that I cannot remember, I will never forget…you!
GracedNotes 
Such a beautiful tribute to your friend..
Take comfort in the beautiful memories left with you..We continue our own journey in faith.
BAB
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Sis. BAB,
It is a journey of many hills and valleys but always, there is Immanuel, who makes the difference between our engaging it in dejected despair or hope-filled anticipation.
Blessed love,
G+
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Thank you for sharing the journey of your friendship with your schoolmate. It is remarkable that death brings an
end to a relationship that we, fortunately, believe to be temporary. Yet even the hope of reunion is so hard to envision. So even while we sing bravely “Some day, some day
I’ll go where Jesus is!” or “Meet me by the river… “, the aching void can persist.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for me to remain at the graveside to end of the smoothing out of last bucket of mortar on the grave. I can’t accept that this is it for the time being anyway! Would Jesus tell me “You are far from the Kingdom” ? Perhaps not. A silent look would be enough to quiet the anxieties and wash away the doubts…..
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So very sweet
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Bless you Sis.
G+
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Aye Sister Jean; I feel with you but our Lord does even more! He knows that marching to the rhythm of the experience of [new] life in the midst of death, takes practice. That is why He patiently encourages us in our evolving, celebrating every little bit of success that we experience.
What a day that Parousia will be; good thing we’re learning now, how to rejoice.
Blessed love,
G+
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Beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your friend ❤️
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Thank you.
G+
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A beautiful tribute. A difficult part of life. May God keep you and grant you His peace.
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You know well this part of life too ‘Gella. May we continue to trust the support of Everlasting Arms.
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Such a remarkable tribute to a friendship that will never be forgotten. It’s those memories we cherish so dear that help us on our journey through this life we pass through but once. Blessings
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GG, your grief like your love is real and strong. I think these two features are ripe ingredients for God to work with. Thanks for sharing.
Aye my SisFrien’ (Sister-Friend), not an easy road. With God’s Ever Strengthening Hand we continue our journey.
Be encouraged if not comforted as I share one of my favorite quotes,
“Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them”
(Leo Tolstoy)
I send you love.
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Di,
Your encouragement means a lot! You’ve been there and so you know that grief for those we’ve loved and lost, opens the way for healing and the joy of having them with us always…through the graced gift of memory.
Blessed love Sis,
GG
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Canon Grace what a beautiful tribute. The sadness of parting from a beloved friend is so evident in your expression. May the Lord grant you comfort and peace as you keep the memories alive in your heart.
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