The Importance of Missing Someone

I have been reflecting on how much I miss certain people from my life... family and friends who have passed away and are no longer available to commiserate, laugh, and share stories of great feats and travels. I know it's part of life and I know that I will see some of them after I get to Heaven, but I miss them today.

We are attending my youngest sister's Celebration of Life this weekend. She was way too young to die. She was 11 years my junior, so her death was very unexpected. She was not someone who I talked to everyday. We were never as close as we should have been, but I find myself wishing we could get closer. I find myself wishing I had reached out more. She was a creative soul. She was a poet at heart. She had some rough times in her life, but she persevered and built a life for herself and her 2 daughters in spite of some great odds. She never used her circumstances as an excuse. She worked menial jobs without complaining because she had to. I miss her.

I miss talking to my Mom every week. She and I had a connection that only a Mom and son could have. I told her everything that happened in my life each week. She shared her thoughts and counsel on those calls. I have wanted to ask her many questions since her death that I know she can't answer in this life and I know I won't care about in the next. I hope she knows that I miss her to this day.

I miss my Dad. He and I rarely talked, but I miss his strength. I miss his approval. I miss his presence in my life that provided a sense of stability and safety. Mom wanted us to talk more (guys aren't great talkers with other guys), but he'd just say something about the weather and give the phone back to Mom so we could continue our hours long conversations. He was a great man who sacrificed much for his family. I never appreciated that when he was alive and I wish I could tell him now. Again, I know that I want to tell him when I see him, but I'll forget. I hope he knows.

I miss my great friend Jim Wiese. He was the wittiest man I have had the pleasure of knowing. He could get me into more trouble than anyone on Earth. He had the heart of a Pastor and missionary with the personality of a comedian. He left this Earth too soon as well, but I know he's in the arms of his savior, so I know I'll see him later and we'll cook up something that will get me into hot water again...

My prayer is that whoever is reading this can accept that death is part of life. I had a Pastor friend who always said that there is a 0 % chance of getting out of life alive. He was right. Our job is to live on. Remember and honor those who we miss. Live like they'd want us to live. Live life as God wants us to live.... love like Jesus. Dance like David. Laugh like you've never laughed before. Remember, but live.