Dedicated

O Death where is your sting; it is in the depths of my body, soul, and spirit. As my soul is divided into three distinctive parts: mind, will, and emotions, my members are conflicted between my personal sorrow, the tragic shock of it all, and the sadness of being forced to say good-bye! Even further, I struggle not to question and/or to be angry with the God I love for choosing now to take the mother I love, the sister I love, the aunt I love, the friend I love, and the source of strength and profound inspiration whom I no longer have present with me. Does not my creator understand the depths of my struggle? Of course He does, for His Son died a sinner’s death on the cross for us all. Were it not for His painful and ultimate sacrifice, reconciliation between God and man would not have been possible, Thus I would not have the reassurance that my mom, my sister, and my aunt is and will forever be in Heaven with our Savior. Even further, His word reminds me that there is a time for everything in the earth, a time to give birth, a time to die, a time to weep, a time to mourn, a time to be silent, a time to speak, a time for peace, a time to heal, and yes always a time to love. With each tear that I cry, I try to accept this the saddest moment of life, the death of my loved one—I am reminded that weeping endureth through the night, but joy comes in the morning as my tears of sorrow become tears of joy as I begin to recall precious memories and blessings that are forever etched in my mind of my mother, my sister, my aunt, my friend, a truly remarkable woman, a gift to all the children she taught whom she showered with loving kindness, a tremendous gift to the world. Soon, moment by moment, day by day with the help of my Counselor and Comforter, the Holy Spirit, I am more and more in control of my emotional responses and make the choice to continue my journey in spite of my sadness which is real; in spite of the sorrow I feel in the depth of my members; in spite of my fear of being without her presence daily; in spite of my anger at my lost thinking no one understands but me; in spite of my confusion for feeling as I do; I will use the depth of my love as strength and my increased understanding and acceptance that for me as a Christian to live is Christ, and to die is gain! Be at peace mom, auntee, friend, and love of our life; see you at my journey’s end! For I have to continue my journey to know and fulfill the destiny and purpose for which I was created. Thank you for your example, your courage, your strength that lead you to be an incredible mom, spouse, entrepreneur, educator, and representative of Jesus the Christ. Jesus be a light unto our feet and lamp unto our pathway leading us to heaven where we will all sing again “Oh Happy Day with Walter Hawkins in the Heavenly Choir!

-Submitted by Melvin Anderson