That first moment a child leaves home,
Headed for the life you have helped prepare.
It’s tough. Distractions help.
But does not prepare you for the next one.
Each experience is unique.
Each child is special.
How can you not feel the loss?
From pitter-patter to adulthood.
It takes 18 years. Give or take.
Through life, we’ve said so long.
Not just to those who make us empty nesters.
But also those who have been there
From thick to thin. Caring. Loving.
Instructing. Even picking up the load from time to time.
That was yesterday.
A double exit.
One a favored and long-time uncle.
The fight is fought. The race is won. It’s reward time.
The other exit?
The one who married and left a sibling.
Far from perfect, but who are we to judge?
Yes. I still loved him like a brother.
We chatted from time to time.
The last event was just 4 months back.
It’s Tuesday. November 7th, 2023.
Life hasn’t slowed down since yesterday.
Schedules are full. Plans are budding.
Some ends in sight. Others just beginning.
What I know and what I feel,
Passing will happen to us all.
Work hard on making yourself felt. Loved.
Cared for while caring for others.
Mistakes, sometimes horrible, will be lived through.
The last breath often tells your final tale.
Will anyone miss your exit?
I’ve said farewell to many through my years.
There are equally many more whose time will come.
I pray I’m an influence for the good.
Someone will weep, and sadness will flow.
Don’t let the sorrow of passing stain your life.
There’s a time to say, not goodbye, but so long.
There’s a place we’ll say Hello…on the other side.
Psalms 30:5, NKJV
“For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.”
