blessed rest

My grandmother Mary Ellen went to be with Jesus early this morning. She died peacefully and knowing how much her family loved her, even if she wasn't able to respond to our prayers. Today I celebrate that she is dancing in heaven with my grandfather. I keep thinking about his sweet face appearing to her and saying "Hey babe!" his trademark greeting to her. She will no longer know confusion or anger or frustration or pain.

My whole family (minus Brian and my brother-in law Peter) are flying to Los Angeles tomorrow for her funeral. I wish she had been able to meet Lila before she passed but I know she will be looking down at us on Saturday and smiling at her great-grandaughter. I am also excited for the rest of my family to meet Lila, as she has not met my aunts, uncles and cousins. A reunion and a parting. Such sorrow and joy. I pray that God help us find the peace that only he can bring to our hearts.

Weak and wounded sinner, lost and left to die

O, raise your head, for love is passing by

Come to Jesus, come to Jesus, come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted and carried far away

And precious blood has washed away the stain, so

Sing to Jesus, sing to Jesus, sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby, don't be afraid to crawl

And remember when you walk sometimes we fall...so

Fall on Jesus, fall on Jesus, fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely and steep and filled with pain

So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then

Cry to Jesus, cry to Jesus, cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over and music fills the night

And when you can't contain your joy inside, then

Dance for Jesus, dance for Jesus, dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye

Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and

Fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus, fly to Jesus and live!

~"Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice