Goodbye for now

My Aunt Barb fought cancer bravely and valiantly for 18 years. She lost her battle today. My mom called me this morning with the news and while it was to be expected, especially after the last several weeks, it is still somewhat shocking. It's hard for my feeble human mind to grasp death and to understand that she is no longer here. I can't really comprehend that.

I love my aunt. She was the "balls" of the family...sorry, I don't know how else to describe it. She called a spade a spade and wasn't afraid to tell you like it is. This is not how things are typically done on that side of the family...you keep your mouth shut, don't rock the boat. But, not Barb. You could always count on her to tell you when you were being a brat or that you should choose this and not that. And for that, I loved her. She was also fiercely loyal and supportive. She screamed out loud over the phone when I told her I got the job in Italy and was so excited for me. She called me Kris and was the only person that I really let call me that. She always encouraged me to write and would be my editor when I would send her stuff. She was a brave, powerful, devoted, and amazing woman. I am blessed for having had her in my life as long as I did. 

What was even more incredible was being given the extreme blessing of doing a Bible study with her this past summer over email. I learned so much more about her and God through our study together. It is because of this I know that I will see her again. She is with Jesus today. When she took her last breath here on earth and closed her eyes, she reopened them in Glory. She is with the Father and walking with Jesus. There is so much peace that comes with that. Yes, I miss her and wish I could see her again. Yes, her daughters are in pain because they've lost their mom and I am in pain for them, but I also know that our goodbye is only temporary and that I will see her again. She is no longer in pain...is no longer in a broken and beat up body. Rather, every tear has been wiped from her eyes and she has seen the glory of the One and Only. In all honesty, I am a bit jealous at that truth...to be with Jesus and not here sounds better every day. 

As I was praying in church this morning it kind of hit me that as I talked with Jesus, He was with my Auntie Barb. So I said "Jesus, give her a hug and kiss for me. Tell her I love her and I'll see her again." Thank you God for my aunt and for the life she led. Thank you that she is now home.