The Polka Dot Cupcake Pirate

There Is A Time...

The words of the "teacher" in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes tell us in the same sentence there is a time to mourn and a time to dance.

Today my sister-in-law Linda left this world to be with Jesus.  I've known her since 1967.  Her husband Skip was my first husband Pete's brother.  Our families have a lot of history.  We camped together.  We traveled together.  We even owned a business together.  As many young families do, we even lived in each others' homes for short times. 

We all got to know each other pretty well, warts and all. 

I haven't seen Linda since about 2006, although we've been in touch with an occasional phone call in addition to Christmas and birthday cards.  The glue that kept our families together, my husband Pete, left this world in 2003.  Yes, they are all still my family.  I feel that way and they do too.  But time and distance have kept us apart. 

It is also a reminder that our generation has stepped to the front lines as OUR parents have, for the most part, already slipped away.  

So I am mourning.

But I am dancing too!

A friend's little great-granddaughter had a kidney transplant (needed since birth) and is miraculously gaining strength and a change of countenance.  Her family has waited two years for this day. 

The child's name?  Joy! 

So, the "teacher" was right.  There is a time to mourn and a time to dance. 

Sometimes we do both.

"Dear Lord, thank you for emotions and for family ties.  Thank you for times together with those we love, and for the memories we have.  Lord, thank you for healing and for the hope of reuniting for eternity with You. In your precious name I pray... Amen."