Saying Goodbye

When a friend from my early adulthood recently passed away, I reminisced on all those times we spent together.

Stay-at-home moms in our twenties with babies and toddlers, we had much in common. Those times were both chaotic and wonderful. Our days were filled with diapers and slobbery kisses, toddler tears and tantrums mixed with snuggles and hugs.

We shared our hopes and dreams and our fears and failures. We provided one another support and we walked the road of young motherhood and pursued the path of the faithful.

But times change, and friends move away. At that time, we had no personal computers or cell phones, so we lost touch. Fortunately, with social media, we were able, after several decades, to reconnect.

Now that my friend is gone, I feel a strange mix of emotions. Grief in her passing, sweetness in fond memories, and joy in her new life without trials or tears.

Remembering our times together as young mothers makes me wonder. How much or little time do I have left on this earth? In what ways have I made a difference? How can I make a difference in my remaining time?

As we say goodbye to friends, whether their time with us was long or short, how can we honor them, and honor God by the choices we make, the words we speak, and the things we do?

For now, I say goodbye. Rest in peace, my friend. See you again, in God’s time.

Father God, thank you for friends who rejoice with us in the good times, and cry with us in the difficult times. Show me ways to honor them by serving you and making a difference in this world.