So Long

Our friend passed away this morning.  This was prompted by that person.
Saying so long is really hard.
Merril and I went to visit a mutual friend yesterday, who has been diagnosed with a terminal condition.  Merril had only recently met this person, and they had become immediate friends.
Just arranging a visit was an ordeal.   They have good days and bad days.  We were going to visit another time, but it was a bad day.  A phone call confirmed yesterday was a good day.
The last time we had seen this person they were a picture of health.  Effervescent, vibrant, full of lifes’ possibilities.  This time they were barely recognisable and just wanted to go “home.”
I could not help thinking of what was not going to transpire.  I had known this person many years and just caught up with them. They had a mutual love of music, the garden, a great sense of humour and were really down to earth.  No airs or graces.  What you saw was what you got, and it was good. This person asked us “are you guys going to my funeral?”  I’ll admit I was somewhat taken aback, as I had never been asked that before.  When we said yes the person told us about a song being sung that was by an artist we all like.
The person asked us to pray with them.  There were five of us there, and we all had a “hope.”  It seems to make a huge difference.  I have been to funerals where hope was not present and the difference is stark.  I think Paul put it best when he said “We don’t want you to be sad like…those who have no hope.”
I am a mess at the best of times, but knowing this was potentially the last time I would see this person in this life totally messed me up.  I mean, guys are supposed to keep it together right?  Well that was not me.
Having a hope does not mean a person is not really really sad.  It was not the first time, and I am sure it will not be the last, saying so long to a friend is not easy.  I am really very thankful though, that this is not the end of the story.  Sure it is the end of a chapter, but the book has a great ending.