In Loving Memory
As this blog post goes live, my husband and I expect to be seated at the memorial service for a young woman of 26. She was much too young to die, but the rare and aggressive cancer that took her didn’t care. Her faith never wavered, and, through her three-year journey, she demonstrated grace under pressure and compassion for those around her. While her parents, family, and friends grieve, Amy is dancing, pain-free, on the streets that are gold.
A few months ago, my family grieved the loss of our 32-year-old niece. Both young woman had so much to live for. So much love and passion and joy to give and receive. It’s heartbreaking to see them leave us. Grandparents should not bury their grandchildren. Parents should not bury their children. We expect the old to die while the young live, but there are no guarantees, are there?
Contemplating death leaves me introspective, I suppose. While I’m not looking forward to my turn coming up, I’m more concerned with the legacy I leave behind. How will I be remembered? Will I be remembered as stingy with my approval, my money, my time, and my talents? Or will I be remembered as someone who took time for others, who brought joy and laughter, and who pointed others to Jesus?
It’s sobering to think about. God gives each of us twenty-four hours in every day. How are you using yours today? How am I using mine?
Image courtesy of Simon Howden at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I’m sorry you’ve experienced this loss. It’s hard to lose special people in our lives. Our 19-year-old daughter died of an overdose (prescription drugs) many years ago, and you’re right … it’s impossible to accept out-living our children.
As the years pass (far too quickly!), I’m more aware of my own mortality, but I haven’t thought much about any legacy. I sometimes think my family, friends, and associates see me quite differently from how I see myself, so I don’t think I have a hope of knowing ‘how I’ll be remembered’.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Carol. I’m sure the hole has never filled.
Praying for you this afternoon as you come along side your friends during this very difficult time. Loss, part of life as they say. This September it will be 3 years since the death of our first grandson, Greyson. He didn’t even get to live so we could know him but he is loved all the same. As we age there seem to be a lot of folks waiting for us in heaven. It is good to be reminded that we need to focus on those here around us & be Jesus’ hands & arms to as many as we can. May the Lord give you peace & strength.
Thank you, Marg. As the grandmother of three (and one on the way), I feel deeply for your loss.