Sunday, April 22, 2012

Dearest God,

We laughed and laughed and laughed.  As a family we laughed as we shared stories about our beloved
husband, father, uncle, and friend.  We could laugh because we believe eternity held him.

What a generous gift laughter is, even in the midst of loss, sorrow, and grief.  The gift of laughter is just one more lavish gift you have given to your children on earth.  We can laugh because we can hope.  We can laugh because we can love.  We can laugh because we can celebrate life in the midst of death.  Hallelujah!

Gracious and Loving God,
what a privilege
and joy
it is
to come
to you
as we mourn.
Thank you
for your
many promises
of mercy,
compassion,
and tender care.
Thank you
for special people
you bring
into our lives.
Thank you
for family,
the one
we are born into
and the one
we make ourselves
with your help.
Thank you
for Uncle Merrill,
my favorite uncle,
his life,
his love,
and his laughter.

Forever yours, Andrea