A Time for Farewells

On the eve of my return to work, I am gearing up to bid farewell to my summer vacation.   Tomorrow I leave behind the sleeping in, the slow mornings, and the laid back approach to life and begin the much less laid back life of going to work.   It is always good to get back - in some ways.  I so miss the routine of the school year.  I miss my friends and the interaction with my students.   But I love hanging out with my kids (most of the time) and not feeling like I have to be doing 85 things well all at the same time.   So farewell, summer of 2014.

On Saturday we said a much more somber farewell.  Granny's funeral was Saturday.   It was a lovely service for a wonderful woman.   When it was over, the casket was moved to the foyer of the church so that people could view Granny one last time and say their goodbyes.  I cried, of course.  Once we got outside, Harrison said, "I want to be with people who aren't crying,"  (His compassion is overwhelming, really.)   The funeral home people were very sweet and said he could help them.  Y'all, my 3-year-old took his place at Granny's head, put both hands on the casket, and he pushed my Granny all the way.   And he thought I was crying before.   I wish I had a picture, but as I didn't take my phone into the church, I don't.   It will forever be etched into my brain.  

The way from the church to cemetery goes right in front of Papaw and Granny's home.  As we left the church, I couldn't help but think about how many miles my Granny had been between her house and First Baptist Church Plainview.   And that this would be her last trip.   My Uncle Jimmy drove the hearse, and he stopped for a moment in front of the house, so Granny was home just one more time.   This was, without a single doubt, the most emotional moment of the entire weekend.   The house that was built with love and devotion and faith.  And my Granny.  

For every farewell there is a new beginning.   Tomorrow begins another year of teaching.   And another day for my Granny to worship Jesus in His very presence.   Praise the Lord for the newness of each day!