Heaven's a Little Sweeter Today

Gone From My Sight

by Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

 

Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of His saints. ~~ Psalm 116:15

 

 Granny went to be with the Lord late Saturday night.

We are sure she's quite happy and healthy today, but oooh we will miss her!

Please pray for us!

~Deb

Comments

[Tammy C]

Thanks for sharing Granny with us through the years. A wonderful life your mom lived.So many memories to cherish.

Will be praying for you and your family during this time of loosing Granny.

[Linda]

So enjoyed the posts that included your mom. She was inspiring. I am sorry she has left but boy am I thrilled she pain free and maybe running and jumping for joy!

[Carol Blair]

The 4th verse of the hymn "Nearer, Still Nearer," by Lelia N. Morris (1862-1929):

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last;
Till, safe in Glory, my anchor is cast.
Through endless ages, ever to be,
Nearer, my Saviour, still nearer to Thee,
Nearer, my Saviour, still nearer to Thee.

[victoria]

We were so sorry to hear of Granny's passing but take comfort in knowing she is with our Lord and Savior.
She was a wonderful Godly lady, devoted to her family and a friend to everyone she met. She will be very much missed!
Praying for you all.

"And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." John 16:22

[Barbara J]

Oh, Deb, I was so sorry to receive this news early this morning when I received a text from our mutual friend. I enjoyed knowing Granny so much and enjoyed reading about her earlier life a few years ago. That is such a beautiful poem that you included - so true. We miss our departed family members so much but they are always with us. Hugs and prayers to all of you.

[Rhonda]

What a lovely tribute to your delightful mother. She is a very special lady to many people, including myself. All who know her will miss her. But you and Bet will no doubt miss her most of all. Thank you for taking such good care of her. And like the others who have commented, thank you for sharing her in this forum. She has meant so much to so many. Love your Mom... love you too.

[Karen]

Praying for you and your lovely family, dear Deb. Granny is now with her loving Lord and Father. We can both grieve and rejoice. Praying for you and sending you a hug!

[Kim]

Praying for you all as you go through this bittersweet time of grieving Granny’s earthly death. Granny was such a gracious woman who just made everyone feel important and valued. She had the best life surrounded by love, companionship and the best care. You all oriented your lives around what was best for Granny and it was a visible testimony to how sacred life is at all stages. She will be missed greatly. May the God of all comfort overwhelm you with His grace in the coming days.

[Katharyn]

I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for the last several years. Your family is very encouraging and a blessing to many. My thoughts and prayers to your family finding the peace you need in this difficult time.

[Jill]

Thinking of you and your family today and know you are celebrating Granny's wonderful life and I pray the memories you have of her comfort you all.

[Krista Ehlinger]

Dear Deb,

I've just heard the news of your dear mother's passing. I know you will miss her greatly and am so very sorry she had to leave. You took such excellent care of her...your whole family did and and while the closeness you shared makes it very hard to let her go...It is so good she did not have to go alone or be alone in her last years. She was so very loved....she loved so very much....and better yet....she knew she was loved. We are praying for you Deb. You and your sister, Tom and your children have been honouring children to her. What a privelege to have that beautiful, powerful family legacy.
Hurting with you and for you, dear friend,
Krista

[Erica]

Praying for all y’all. Let those of us still here press on towards the goal evenmoreso.

[Tammy]

I know you will all miss her so very much. Prayers.

[Sharon]

Praying for you all. Always loved seeing Granny on the blog. I am blessed to have one of her baskets. She was such a special lady.

Love and hugs,
Sharon B.

[Rhonds Noether]

Oh dear…my thoughts and prayers are with you. As you know via my daughter Danielle…I have was diagnosed with breast cancer the end of April and spent the summer having chemo first before surgery. 2 tumors just under 2 cm but an aggressive form. Lost my hair and was bedridden all of Sept and October from the chemo. I need to keep up with my correspondence with you and thank you so much for your cards. I know you most miss granny so very much.. Rhonds Noether in NY

[Cathy]

I was saddened to read about your mom’s death, Deb. I so enjoyed reading of your many adventures together, her basket-weaving, and even about the way she cooked apples. She was a loving presence in your home; you guys will miss her terribly.

OTOH, can you imagine what your mom is experiencing every minute of every day?! What it must be to breathe in the heavenly atmosphere of pure, pristine and sinless air—and away from a world that’s gone mad!

I love how these verses from Revelation 21::22-23 describe it, and the imagery it conjures up.

“ I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.”

May you find comfort in the truth of Scripture—even as you mourn your loss. We mourn with you. My handsome husband and I are praying for your family.

Maranatha!

[Carolyn]

Oh, what a promise, how it thrills my soul,
We'll be united, where storm clouds ever roll,
After the shadow of life shall pass away,
Oh, what a promise, we'll meet again some day!!!

She's looking and waiting for that reunion day!

So good to see you all at the funeral.