Going Home

I knew it had been some time since I last posted to this blog, but I did not realize how long it had been. Life has been good, but busy with lots of extra church work of late. Now that our new pastor has arrived, my life has slowed down a bit. I have been thinking this week about the funeral of a neighbor I attended a few days ago. It was a sad, but also a joyous occasion--the most joyful funeral I've ever experienced. Helen had moved in next door with her son and daughter-in-law a few years ago when her health deteriorated. I did not know her well, though I saw her often out walking their little dog. We rarely stopped to talk, however, as her dog did not like our two big ones. What I remember, is that she always had a sweet smile and a warm greeting each time we met. If life was getting her down, it was not apparent, even recently after her health had became so bad that she had to walk with an aide.

I learned more about Helen at the funeral, which was a celebration of her life with much laughter amid the tears. She had been a nurse for many years, and her huge extended family expressed their gratitude for her love and care. I think the story that told me the most about her, however, was the one her pastor related about a baseball game in which she participated just a couple of years ago when she was 81. She hit the ball and slid into second base and eventually scored. He said he had to stop her from climbing over the fence to retrieve a fly ball that went awry. What an amazing lady!

I do not know how much longer I will have of this life I love, but I hope that I too will be able to slide into second base and make it home at the very end. I also hope that my family and friends will remember me after I'm gone with as much love and genuine affection as I heard expressed by Helen's family and friends. Her funeral was a testament to a full life of love and service to God. I'm glad to have known Helen, and I am grateful she has made it home at last.

Grace and Peace,
Donna Sue