Monday, November 19, 2007

A "Goodbye" that is not forever



Anyone who knows me (Sharon) knows that I hate saying "goodbye." In fact, it is more likely that you will hear me say "see you later" than "goodbye." So, last Thursday, with a big lump in my throat, I waved "See you later" to our wonderful friends Peter and Jen at the Vilnius airport. In true Morrow fashion, I waited and watched at the security checkpoint until I could see them no longer, and then gave a final wave just before they rounded the last corner. The five of us who remained ate a delicious lunch at Dublinar; then we drove back to Kaunas. The drive home was pretty quiet - I think I might have slept through a good part of it.

I felt a wistful sadness (that's what happens when people get in your heart). . .
. . . but no despair (I'll see them again in just a few months).

Matt and I spent a quiet evening at our flat that night. Later I skyped with my sister Lynn. . .and learned that my 95 year old Aunt Mary had passed away just a few hours earlier. (Aunt Mary was my grandpa's twin sister. Growing up, all my grandparents lived either out of state or in Australia. Aunt Mary lived across the street, so she was very much like a grandma to me.)

I was again struck with a deep wistful sadness . . . but no despair!

You see, my Aunt Mary knew Jesus as her Savior and loved Him as her Very Best Friend! For those who follow Jesus, this is not a "goodbye," it is simply a "see you later." We will meet again in Heaven one day - I can not fully express how much peace and hope that gives me!

Later, Matt asked me how I was doing, knowing that my day had been filled with a lot of loss. I smiled and said, "Well, I feel like there is a big party going on right now in Heaven that we are missing out on, (kinda like what we felt last Christmas when we were away from our families). Aunt Mary no longer feels pain, and she is hanging out with my Grandpa and Grandma and so many of her friends. I wish I could be at the party; I wish I could see the expression on Aunt Mary's face as she recognizes her friends and family. I wish I could hear what Jesus is saying to her - to this wonderful lady who always worked her fingers to the bone to help and serve and give to others. Aunt Mary always did like parties - I just wish I could watch her at this one.

I guess I'm glad that this is not a goodbye. . .it is just another "see you later."

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know right where you are at my friend! To know that our family, who has moved on to our future home ahead of us, are in a most perfect position to pray and intercede on our behalf as we continue to fulfill God's plan for our lives and the lives that we touch along the way. May your beautiful memories of Aunt Mary give you more strength as you press onward on the path God has laid before you both. I know that she is so proud of you and smiles even now as she watches over you from heaven. All my love to you Sharon! ~Amy

Rakel said...

And we got to say a wonderful hello on this end....remebering you guys over there...and praying.

matt & cheryl said...

i have been feeling for you guys this week. praying for you too. i'd LOVE to skype sometime. let's plan a time. :) i miss you. i talk about you guys all the time...and jen and peter. i knew i missed you all but was still shocked when i got all teary when peter and jen came through the gate at the airport. i was wishing you were both there too. love you

Anonymous said...

My dear Sharon! I was able to hear your blog today when your mom read it at Aunt Mary's memorial. You touched my heart. I miss you very much and look forward to the next time I get to talk to you. I love you! Give Matt my best.

Your Other Little Sister
Sarah

Anonymous said...

oh for Sharon. You make me cry, but in the best way possible. I love you my dear dear friend and am so excited for seeing you again.