Saying goodbyes

I do not like saying goodbyes. Not at all!

I said goodbye to my Dad at age 21, and I never saw him again.

Just last week, we said goodbye to Willow, an "adopted" daughter of the Chan Clan, who was heading out on an indeterminable journey to find herself. It was hard for me, thinking I won't likely see her again. It must have been hard for the boys.

Konrad has been home for two-days-short-of-a-week already. He took time off work to come by Greyhound bus and attend his good friend, Jeremy Kroeker's wedding.

On Sunday, Konrad will be leaving for Vancouver again. Another goodbye to say. The next time we'll see Konrad will be at his wedding in Vancouver on January 2, 2010. We will likely drive through the States to his wedding. And, I'll be flying back the day after the wedding as school will start the day-after.

Bill is not doing well. His cancer has invaded all parts of his body. His vital organs are beginning to shut down. He has been incoherent for two weeks now at palliative care at St. Boniface Hospital. I visit him almost everyday. I read him appropriate passages from the Scriptures, hold his had, and pray for him.

Pat is in a state of surreal being fed by pure adrenaline. She is exhausted and is just be.

It would be a matter of days before saying goodbye to Bill. Except, this is more than an earthly goodbye. This is a farewell... a bon voyage on his way home where his Heavenly Father is eagerly waiting to embrace Bill with His open arms.

The glory of God said to His apostle John about life after death about this "New Reality":

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3b-4

God promises to be with Bill as spoken by His Word.

Amen and Amen again.

Oh! What comfort, and what joy!

Yes, "goodbye" in earthly terms, but, "welcome home" in heavenly chorus.

Still, I do not like saying goodbyes.