By Lisa S. Tarno

Tears dripped onto the pretty wedding card I was writing for one of my sons and his bride. I was putting money into a card for them from my newly deceased mother and signed it, With Love From Heaven, Nana D. I wrote a short note in the delicate card saying how much she would have loved to have been a part of the day. She adored her grandsons! Adored is even understated…she lived for them when she was alive.

I also added how much she prayed for each of her “boys”. The thought of it brought fresh tears as I remembered how dedicated she was. Their spiritual growth was of utmost importance to her and she made sure they knew about her Jesus. 

What is she doing in her healed body in the presence of the Lord? Is she asking Him questions? Is she laughing with old friends and previously deceased relatives? What it must be like for her to know NO pain as she chronically lived in on earth. What it must be like to have a perfectly restored body and mind that works the way God intended it to. She can walk without pain. She can think with a restored mind. Her deformed arm is no longer crooked and she has full use of it. 

I wonder what a day looks like for her now on the other side. She probably is enjoying the vast array of flowers since she loved to garden. I envision her soaking in the lush landscapes, fountains, rivers and streams and beauty that only Heaven can offer. I often envy her being there because I look forward to going home too, when the time is right.

Back here on earth we are getting ready to celebrate a wedding. She loved weddings. In her previous life, she was a wedding coordinator and meticulously planned the details of many brides, including my own wedding. This would be one of her dreams to attend, but sadly her physical presence is no more. Life is but a vapor that quickly vanishes. Her legacy lives on through me and her grandsons. 

After she passed away we found out that my other son and his wife are expecting their first baby. It’s a boy! Another boy that my mom would have adored. She loved babies and would often ask when they were planning on having a family. That blessed event will take place too this year. Two life changing events happening this year and she will miss it. I will be writing a card to this baby in her name as well to welcome him to the world.

Life goes on… We are not the only ones experiencing loss and heartache and I am more keenly aware of that now. All of us will experience a loved one that dies and sometimes it’s too soon or a relief that they no longer suffer. Grieving is a hard season. Just when you think you’re in control of your emotions, something random sets the wave of tears off again. It’s riding the wave.

I ended my note in the card saying that she will have the best seat (in the presence of Jesus) in the church on the day of their wedding. She will be cheering them on and happy that they found love in each other. As happy as I am for her, I miss the real her… the mom without dementia. She will be watching over us all, or so I’d like to believe, and sending her love from Heaven. Life goes on…