New and unending mercies

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon last and we were there to say goodbye to my aunt, my mother's youngest sister. Thanking God for allowing us that last Divine-appointed meeting, a final afternoon to laugh and cry, and say a proper goodbye. She waited for us, kept us entertained, her delight infectious and palpable. Apple juice, green jelly and afternoon tea - what a celebration! My heart aches, and yet, it was the best possible outcome given the circumstances. She had run a crazy good race and was ready to go home to Jesus. Thank you for living life on your own terms, with honesty, and with no excuses. What grace to die on Wednesday at 3:00pm, the hour of Divine Mercy, to the strains of prayer muttered by loved ones and friends the world over.

As I process my grief the chorus from the hymn As We Gather that originates from Lamentations 3:22-23 comes to my mind, a suitable refrain:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;*
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning, new every morning,
Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord,
Great is Thy faithfulness.

Rest in peace dear Aunty R. Thank you for everything!

War baby, wild child
You always looked at life 

Just a little differently

From the rest of us

The grass was greener 

In the far yonder

Where sunshine beckoned

Promising new life

One filled with song

Ancient hymns delighted 

Soothing your soul 

Inspired, you ran free.

God's special child

Funny with an acerbic wit

Generous and concerned

Loving those who needed kindness

You made a difference 

Where it counted, saved lives.

And now we weep

For missed opportunities

Another chance to see you smile

But glad that Divine Mercy

Brought you home in peace.

Rest well, among the favoured

In our Father's arms.