How Does Someone Go On?

Flooding with emotions and thoughts of sadness, my brain is running rampant and full of questions…as life continues forward. These have been days of heavy grief and deep sorrow as I watched a family of friends mourn and let go.

I saw tears. I saw weeping. I heard sniffles. I heard words of consolation. Sorrow. Heartache. There was despondency and lots of shock. Food was brought and shared... that’s what we do in the south when mere words are never quite right. Hugs…lots of tight embraces... when there is no need for words. Food. Lots of food…it’s what we do, like comfort can be found there.

Grown men cry while wearing a look of trepidation as they wait to carry their friend with respect. The church is full, standing room only. I heard the words as Beulah Land was sang and a vision danced in my head. Tissues were passed. The lump in my throat continued to swell, as I looked for something to fan myself with…saying to myself… "don’t lock your knees or you will pass out" and wondering "why do heels hurt your feet so much from standing so long".  Heads were hung in sadness and sorry.
Co-op employees looked like tin soldiers dressed alike with their hats in hand as they lined the walls down the inside of the church.

You cry, I cry with you. You grieve, my heart aches for you. You are lost and now lonely, my heart aches for you. The sun continues to shine…life as you know it is different yet still it goes on the same. Different as the world is less one person now, one soul, one friend, one husband, one dad, one granddad…one…

Words were spoken, verses were quoted, and music flowed around the words of Amazing Grace as it was offered up.  Flowers gave the look of a full spring. The sun was high and bright and warm as a gentle cool February breeze touched my heart and dried my tears. I looked toward the sun to heaven. A prayer was spoken and heard.

The church pew where we all sit each Sunday, will never be the same again...

Old friends, that time had separated, were seen again. Hands were held, support was given in some small way.  More hugs… Times were reminisced and collected to enjoy again. There were questions with no answers. There was a quick thought of "what do we do now?"  We will go on... but how does a son continue without his dad beside him on the farm…How does he watch his little newborn daughter grow without ever knowing her Granddad? How does a daughter go on without the love of knowing that her Dad was always there…How does a young grandson continue to grow up without him anymore? How does a wife, whom he had know since they were 15, go on? Their empty house is too quiet especially at night….at bedtime. 

How?

How can anyone go on without knowing that peace that comes without understanding? That peace and comfort that only Jesus can offer…How can anyone go on without HIM?   HE, is how you go on… This family will go on.

Death is not partial to the friends he makes.

Jesus is not partial either;

He wants all of us as His friend…for eternity.

 May you find that peace,

Cora