Elsie Zuercher and Her big brother Waldie, 1926
Aunt Elsie holding first Neice Annette, Waldie's daughter, 1947
My cousin Ray notes on his blog today that his mother Elsie will soon be reunited with her husband, brother and parents. It may already have happened. I didn't call Ray or Ron, at least not yet. I can't look at the first picture with clear eyes and the lump in my throat is to big to talk. If I were able to talk I would tell Ray that life will change soon. Life is different without your parents. There is a hole in your heart that never closes. A lump in your throat that comes out of nowhere. Most days it will be ok. The up coming wedding of Ray's daughter will be missing something. Mother's Day will be bitter sweet because she was a great mom. Some things will be harder, but that is ok. A quality life lived before us should leave a hole in our hearts. Some things will be far sweeter. They will visit in dreams and memories and stories told to grandchildren. It is not all pain and holes and tears. There is a renewed sweetness at the thought of heaven. Heaven becomes a little more real, a lot more familiar and intensely personal. There is not a sense of loss, only longing to be together again in a place with no pain or tears or holes. I would tell what I told people at my parents funerals when they expressed their condolences at losing my mother or father. I would tell them with certain conviction' "they are not lost, I know exactly where they are. We will be together again in the morning!" Paul said to comfort one another with this word. I'll call when I can, but I can't right now. I have every confidence the Holy Spirit will give Ray and Ron and all the family all the comfort they will need. I already asked Him to and He promised he would. See you in the mornin Aunt Elsie!
Aunt Elsie holding first Neice Annette, Waldie's daughter, 1947
My cousin Ray notes on his blog today that his mother Elsie will soon be reunited with her husband, brother and parents. It may already have happened. I didn't call Ray or Ron, at least not yet. I can't look at the first picture with clear eyes and the lump in my throat is to big to talk. If I were able to talk I would tell Ray that life will change soon. Life is different without your parents. There is a hole in your heart that never closes. A lump in your throat that comes out of nowhere. Most days it will be ok. The up coming wedding of Ray's daughter will be missing something. Mother's Day will be bitter sweet because she was a great mom. Some things will be harder, but that is ok. A quality life lived before us should leave a hole in our hearts. Some things will be far sweeter. They will visit in dreams and memories and stories told to grandchildren. It is not all pain and holes and tears. There is a renewed sweetness at the thought of heaven. Heaven becomes a little more real, a lot more familiar and intensely personal. There is not a sense of loss, only longing to be together again in a place with no pain or tears or holes. I would tell what I told people at my parents funerals when they expressed their condolences at losing my mother or father. I would tell them with certain conviction' "they are not lost, I know exactly where they are. We will be together again in the morning!" Paul said to comfort one another with this word. I'll call when I can, but I can't right now. I have every confidence the Holy Spirit will give Ray and Ron and all the family all the comfort they will need. I already asked Him to and He promised he would. See you in the mornin Aunt Elsie!
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8 comments:
Missing Elsie is a sure way to honor her. She is lovely in those pictures isn't she?
Thank you Lord that we have an amazing family reunion to look forward to... thank you for eternal life and hope in Jesus.
I'm friends with Ray and saw the link to your blog on his. I lost my mother 8 years ago and am now seeing my dad go downhill. Your words were so comforting. Thank you.
My prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
CJW
The picture of Elsie and Waldo - I looked in amazement as I saw a little guy running around today at the funeral - Elsie's great grandson Hudson - that is a dead ringer for the child in the wagon.
I was with Elsie many, many hours from March 10 through March 17. She was a grand lady. I will miss her as she sat with us every Sunday in church.
I'm sorry for the phrase "dead ringer" Let me rephrase: Hudson looks very much like the child in the wagon which I assume is Elsie by the way you labeled it.
Heidi Jo -- thank you very much. Carolina W, & Cleta ... thanks for your comments. too Now that you have found my cousin Don's blog I hope you will stop by often. I love you both.
Don, it has been exactly 130 hours since mom passed. It stings. Standing in Swiss Church yesterday looking at her empty spot in the pew was brutally painful. 130 hours. Reading your post I could tell you are still feeling the sting all these years since Aunt Thelma's home-going. Thank you for sharing all of this. You are helping us heal.
ray & Janell - the Zimmermann's are family to me... that means you are too. maybe i'll meet you face to face one day... if not here, on the other side with the Son... and maybe you can personally introduce me to Elsie.. such a lovely lady. :)
heidi, we look forward to both meetings.
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