Saying Good bye

 

My father's twin brother, who lives in Holland, recently came to Canada to visit my parents. I went to see them last weekend. It was a bittersweet time. My father is 83 and has Parkinson's. The disease has been progressing and my father is frustrated with the limitations that he has. He cannot travel any longer. So my uncle and "aunt" came. I told them that I so grateful that they did. More than likely, this will be the last time that they see each other. I captured the good-bye on video, crying the entire time.

I have not experienced the loss of a close loved one...yet. How do you say "Good-bye"? I couldn't hear the exchange between my father and my uncle, but I could see it and it broke my heart. I'm not looking forward to that day, but when it comes, I don't know that I can say "Good-bye". I think, for me it will be "See you later". For those of us who know Jesus, the separation through death is only for a short while. We have that blessed hope of seeing our loved ones again.

Two weeks ago on the news here in Ontario, a young father and husband went missing after going for a test drive. They found his body soon afterwards. Now a wife is grieving the loss of her husband, parents for their son, siblings for their brother, and many for a friend. They did not get a chance to say "Good-bye".

This past week many had to say good-bye to those lost during the tornado in Oklahoma.

 A couple of days ago a wife in the UK had to unexpectantly say good-bye to her husband when he was murdered by an Islamist radical.

I think the best way to say "Good-bye" is to always live like it may be our last day. No regrets.
Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

No matter what, it is never easy to say good-bye. Love those dear to you every moment of everyday. Don't sweat the small stuff. I would rather have my teenaged son around with a messy room, than not. I would rather put my husband's dirty dishes in the dishwasher, than not. Forgive...and then forget about it. Smile often.

Blessings, Diane