There are no words. Only tears, and hugs. How do you say goodbye to someone who has meant so much to you? Who went to be with Jesus so unexpectedly, turning all of our worlds upside down? Sandy was my mentor for years, showing me what it looks like to be a godly wife and mother. She always had time for me - even in the midst of raising her own 4 children and home schooling them. For a long time I drove out to her house on Wednesday nights to talk about marriage and parenting and pray together. Looking back, I'm sure she was exhausted at the end of a busy day. Yet she sat with me.
During her funeral today there were definitely thoughts that were repeated over and over. "Sandy had a way of making you feel special, like you were the most important person to her" and none of us realized that she was doing this with lots of people at the same time. "She was so encouraging and cheerful. Even in the midst of great physical pain, she was still asking others what their prayer requests were and proclaiming that God is good." Her husband, children, siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends all stood up to tell us how much she meant to them. What a testimony of her life - that God used her in such a way to reach so many people, and then He took her home. Her work here was done.
We do have hope. We know that right now Sandy is rejoicing with Jesus in heaven and that she is completely healed and free of all suffering and pain. That brings a lot of comfort. And we will see her again, and she will be reunited with her family and friends and we will all live for eternity with no pain, mourning, tears, or sin. It is hard to be left here without her. But I am so grateful for the time I did get to spend with her and I cannot wait to see her again.
