See You Later

Although no one wants to attend a funeral, including those who must, to say goodbye is just as important as saying hello. It is markers along our way; milestones that few want to walk. My dad told me something recently that has stuck with me, “The older I get, the more I realize the cost of survivorship. It means saying goodbye to people who have been important in my own story and drama.”

As we laid our Grandaddy to rest, I saw three generations paying their respects to a man that helped shape our lives. I watched reunions take place, tears free-falling and warm embraces bandaging our hearts.

Tears refresh the soul. They are a balm that gently flows over wonderful highlights brought back to our minds by a story, a look, a smell, or even a funeral.

It was a beautiful day to pay our respects. My dad officiated the funeral with such tact. Anyone can read scripture, but it takes someone on the inside to pull out old files and shine a light on the history of days gone by.

I watched as Military men and women saluted my Grandaddy when the casket passed. I observed Military honors presented to our family, and I heard taps carried on the breeze while the trumpet played. A peaceful resting place was properly dedicated that day.

The impromptu potluck gathering could not have been more fitting for my family. Everyone talking at once, dishes rattling, laughter roaring, and the distribution of homemade canned goods made a perfect ending to a life lived well.

It is not a list of chronological events that I want to lay out but only a snapshot of home. Home is where we become a family, it is where the seasons change, but our mold stays the same. God himself is a family man. And it is in our brokenness that He wraps us close; like a warm blanket brings warmth on a frosty morning, so do the mercies that God showers upon us with each new day.

Growing up, my family never said goodbye. It was too final, even at funerals because those who believe in Jesus will see their loved ones again in Heaven. “See you later” was our chosen form of farewell.

Until we meet again, I will keep biting into a juicy tomato sandwich and a gooey Shipley doughnut. I will watch classic black and white movies as if they were just released, and I promise to make it to the back porch swing to watch it rain. It will be no trouble to take a back road; I keep those close by. Although, it will be your deep Mississippi drawl that I won’t be able to duplicate. It resounds in my memory forever.

Your carpentry pieces are treasures to us all. As you spent your first day in Heaven, I had a thought; Jesus and you will have a lot in common since He was a carpenter too.

I’ll see you later, Grandaddy.

Welcome Home

“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in Heaven…” Matthew 5:12

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