When saying goodbye

is more like saying... I want to come along with you

Today, I attended the memorial for a Little one, she was 19.  On my way I got to thinking, I am going because her grandma calls me her best friend, and because I wanted to. I know the family, and love them.

Fourteen years ago, in May, it was my mother’s memorial I attended. A friend told me that she did not come because she had never met my mother.  For me, that was a new, different reason.

Now I am thinking, I do not know Little One very well at all.

Outside the church were pink and white balloons. I knew that Little One loved pink and sparkle. I did not have pink, but I was wearing sparkle. Shoes, earrings, scarf and sweater.  ( I also reminded myself that no one would be looking at me, and I probably would have my coat on the whole time… I did )

At the door we were given very sweet programs and …. Hand sanitizer.  It is March 2020 and I am sure this will be a never to be forgotten time.   

The church is light and pretty and already full of guests. 
I find a seat.  

The time had come.  It was quiet.   Music begins and we are asked to join in singing “Amazing Grace”. There are several more hymns that are played on the grand piano. “I’ll Fly Away”, some I  did not recognize, but the strong voice of the man at the ivories was dynamic…. and then the sharing begins.

First the siblings then open mic, then the parents. 

Little Ones mother is dressed in a gorgeous pink dress.  She had felt like she was coming to a wedding. Her little girl was the bride. ( Funny, I had been looking for sparkle in my closet and thought to myself, this is not a wedding…but… it is a celebration and those two events are gatherings with friends and I decided to dress for Little One.  ) 

Because of her challenges, the caregivers from day one until day 7117, were all  gathered here . Family and friends, and neighbors that had known, really known Little One, are like an inner circle to the family. Like a hedge of love surrounding them.

Listening to all the sharing, I had to admit, I did not know Little One.  I had seen her a few times. I knew that she was very challenged.  Here are some things I learned.

Though she could not talk or walk on her own, she was a good communicator.  She loved her brother. Maybe she favored him.  She loved football and watching it with her Dad. Several said she was generous, loving, fun, had a great laugh. She could let you know if she wanted to do something, or NOT.But, more than anything, she loved Jesus. All part of the sharing. Almost everyone confirmed the same loving description of Little One.  In fact, by the time her Daddy got to the mic, he said just that…everything that I would say, has been said….but he did speak about his Little girl with great love.

  Her iPad  was equipped with  prompts that Little One could let her thoughts and wishes known, audibly.    After many friends shared how Little One had blessed them with the love of Jesus, her favorite caregiver used her  iPad to give the message that Little One would have given.

 She began with a question.. Do you know where  you will go when you die… and the answers began with verse after verse from the Bible .  She gave the plan of salvation.  There  is a date that she herself asked Jesus into her heart.  She was a witness for Jesus. And yes, she knew Bible verses.

In the closing prayer :  this is indeed worthy of celebration, but only Jesus is worthy of Glory.

Guests were invited to a very lovely catered luncheon and espresso bar, as well as a candy center. There were a couple tables for writing notes, and painting rocks to be placed in the family garden.  There was a basket of tiaras and we were encouraged to take one and wear it.

I did not feel hungry and I did not have my hubby or a friend by my side, so I did not go through the food line.  I wanted to go hug my own grandchildren.  I wanted to absorb/ process the big picture of a life of purpose and love

Often I leave a memorial thinking I wish I had known that person better. Today I am thinking that this is an amazing person, and she has blessed many, many people. But I am also thinking, I have many friends who are amazing. I want to spend a little more time learning about them.  I am starting with the two men that are staying with us.    

That is one take away for me

Another.. if a young lady without a voice can share the good news of Jesus’ plan of Salvation, may the Lord open my voice more and more.

We were encouraged to speak to those in our path that appear challenged, with special needs..  Smile and tell them something .. your hair is so pretty,  I love your shoes, I would love a shirt like that
you get the idea !   Me too.

Oh !   and Listen.   Not just hearing, like the music in the background, but listening to one another while they are with us

The tiaras …  not child's party favor,  no these are pretty, silver, and they sparkle a lot.

I took mine  home, and I am wearing it now. I feel like Little One has brought about some sparkle in me,

“Let your light so shine,before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”

Singing, Sparkle, Sweetness, Salvation