Tears and Laughter

In April of 1979 our home was suddenly taken from us by a 500 year flood of "epic" proportions. In May of 1979 my father was also taken from us suddenly, unexpectedly. The second loss certainly put the first into perspective, for there is no comparison between losing things and losing people. It was a sad journey back home to bury Daddy, but seeing all of our family also served to cheer and encourage us for the many months of hard work that we would still face. I have often thought of it as Daddy's last gift to me, being surrounded by loved ones at that time of trial.

Our daughter was only 5, by far the youngest of "Papa's" grandchildren. How to tell a little one about death, that sudden separation of body and soul? At the funeral home we sat quietly as I tried to explain this mystery to one so young, before taking her in to see her granddaddy in his casket - a last look, a good-bye that came too soon. "Papa has already gone to heaven, he is not in his body anymore. His body that is left behind, is just where he 'lived' when he was with us," I explained. But what we say and what a child hears often bear little resemblance to one another. Like many, this casket was of the "Dutch-door" variety with the top one open, showing only head and chest. She was very silent, pensive, as I held her in my arms and we looked upon that very well-known, but very still face. Then we walked back to sit with my mother. In her small and innocent voice, this youngest member of the family then asked us a question: "Have Papa's legs already gone to heaven?" As though they might have gone ahead on an "earlier flight!" She did not see them, and so assumed they were no longer with us. At this saddest of times, her precious, innocent question offered a release of tension, a gift of laughter. We had cried much, but now we laughed. We "laughed 'til we cried!"

Ecclesiastes 3.1,4 - There is a right time for everything: A time to cry; A time to laugh; A time to grieve; A time to dance.

2 Corinthians 6.10 - Our hearts ache, but at the same time we have the joy of the Lord.

Matthew 5.4 - Those who mourn are fortunate! For they shall be comforted.

John 16.20 - You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

Luke 6.21 - Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh.

Isaiah 26.17 - We have this assurance: Those who belong to God shall live again. Their bodies shall rise again! Those who dwell in the dust shall awake and sing for joy.

Isaiah 51.11 - Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Isaiah 25.8 - The Lord God will wipe away all tears.