We still Miss You!

The family and I are missing you today, sweet Papa!  It is hard to believe it has been four years ago today that we followed the hearse to the cemetery -- but how wonderful to know that you had already taken your flight past the sun, moon and stars -- up to where the golden bells were ringing to welcome you to the joys of heaven!  I'm sure if we could see you today, we would find you still shouting "Glory!" just outside your mansion door where you are living by Glory Boulevard on the Hallelujah Side!

After four years, our hearts are still flooded with sweet memories of the years we enjoyed together serving our wonderful Lord and sharing the joys and sorrows of life.  After four years we still miss you greatly, but the children and grandchildren all spoil me very much, and I am blessed!  But I still miss you -- I miss hearing you pray -- I miss your wise counsel and your leadership -- but I am endeavoring, by God's help and grace, to build the Ark according to God's perfect pattern, and I want to meet you in that City where they need no sun---just inside the Eastern Gate with the family in my hand!

I haven't heard your voice telling me you loved me for many days; but, perhaps, if you could speak to our family today, you would say these words by an unknown author, entitled:  "If Tomorrow Starts Without Me."

     "If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
      I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

      I know how much you love me -- as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too;
      But if tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
            And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
         And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

      But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
      I had so much to live for -- so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
      I thought of all the yesterdays -- the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

      But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden Throne,
      He said, 'This is eternity, and all I've promised you'.
Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
      I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day's the same way--there's no longing for the past.

       So if tomorrow starts without me--don't think we're far apart,
       For every time you think of me--I'm right here, in your heart."