For Each Tear of Sorrow...There is one for Joy

Today Ed, Mags, and I joined family and friends to pay final respects to an amazing man and uncle. Ed's Uncle Bryant's burial was today. As Taps played, tears streamed down my cheeks yet it was the hugs, kisses, and encouraging words before and after the burial that touched my heart the most. 

You see, Uncle Bryant has six daughters. These are probably some of the most fun, lovable, and down-to-earth gals you could meet. I'm glad they are not just cousins, but friends. As I watched them interact with each other, the funeral staff, and those in attendance a realization hit me, " I'll be doing this alone. I miss Heidi."

I know, a depressing thought, yet it's a reality ~ my reality. The bond between siblings is a priceless gift to treasure and the bond between sisters, is one not to mess with. I'm thankful for the eighteen years I had with Heidi and even more thankful for the happy memories that get me through the tough days. Six sisters joined together to bury their father today. A final good-bye to their Dad, the day before Mother's Day. The joy in this rainy day ~ he is with their beautiful Mom now.

My heart smiled as my eyes leaked tears. Grief for their loss yet hope and happiness for the bond shared between sisters. The book of James in the New Testament challenges us to rejoice in times of trial and tribulation. 

Today, I applied a couple of these verses to life...

---

""Consider it pure joy, 
my brothers and sisters, 
whenever you face trials 
of many kinds, 
because you know 
that the testing 
of your faith 
produces perseverance." 
James 1:2-3

---

We enjoyed an afternoon of laughter with family and friends. A few minutes before leaving my cellphone rang. I looked down and it said, "Mom Calling". I went outside, answered the phone, and visited with my Mom for a bit. 

She asked how things were going and if I was alright. Isn't she the best? (I know she is, so this is strictly a rhetorical question.) It was nearing dinner so she was "just checking" in with me. THEN she said, "When you get home, why don't you go out on the back deck." Hmm....now I am so excited because this meant my new flower box was finished. My parents know the weight a funeral and burial have on me and waited to bring this beautiful flower box down until today.

Dad designed and built it. Mom selected the artistic designs then wood burned and painted them. Dad finished it with the apoxy (or whatever the official name is) over the top and assembled their creation. They chose the flowers to fill it with, planted them, and added it to our deck while we were gone today.

It is beautiful!! Thank you Mom and Dad! An amazing reminder to Believe, Dream, and Hope on this journey. You are the best parents a girl could have...Anyone stopping to visit will be able to enjoy this vision of love and beauty. I didn't think the deck could get any better, you proved me wrong. Love it!!!

Thanks for making my day so much brighter!

---

How has someone surprised you this week?