We Shall All Be Changed

I just read a post about the passing of a loved one on one of the blogs I read. It's crazy that no matter how long it's been since their death, it still hurts. And the oddest things remind you of it, and some not so odd, like that post. Before my friend Miriam passed away, death didn't hit me so hard. It made me sad, but I didn't have much of a concept of losing a loved one. Since then, it's my immediate thought if anything out of the ordinary happens. Especially calls that start: "I just wanted you to know you don't have to worry..."

Death isn't such a scary thing when you're a Christian, and I'm so thankful for that. But, it's still just as tough. Nothing prepares you for it, even when you expect it. My Grandma passed away a few weeks ago. I still keep expecting her to call and whenever my mom answers the phone I immediately wonder if it's her.

I realized, after reading the above mentioned post, that I didn't post about Miriam on here. She passed away on Monday, July 10, 2006. That date is etched in my memory, just as where I was when I got the text and call about it. I will never forget that horrible, sleepless night and having to go to work the next day and barely making it. I remember the gathering at a friend's house the next night and the heavy sadness in the air. I remember being ok with it for a few moments during service the next day, and then questioning God for months, maybe even years after. I think that's normal. I didn't think I was questioning Him, but I was. It really shook me. Nothing since then has shook me as hard.

It's been 4 years since she left us and I still cry about it. I'm like that though. I can't wait to see her. And my Grandma. I imagine they're enjoying themselves together. They'll know each other because my dog is there too. They both loved my dog. Ok, ok, Miriam hated my dog, but there's only perfect love in Heaven so now she has to love him. :)

I don't have a real purpose in this post. I don't have profound words of wisdom or comfort. My only words are to cling closely to Jesus and treasure your loved ones as much as possible while you still have them. You never know when it'll be the last time you say good-bye. Try to tell them you love them as much as possible. I so wish I could call my Granny one more time and tell her that. And I wish I had texted Miriam a hello that day.


"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. " I Corinthians 15:51-52