Until We Meet Again

Beverly and Cecil Shannon

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

I received word this morning that my Aunt Beverly had passed. I hadn’t seen her face-to-face for some years and yet I deeply grieve her passing. All day, as I have struggled to recall the faint, ordinary memories of childhood, her sweet, gentle smile has pierced the shifting haze of remembrance again and again. I have yet to recollect a single memory of her where that smile was absent. And although, for some time, I have seen it only in photographs, I grieve its absence nonetheless.

But, with the Apostle Paul, I can say with confidence that we do “…not grieve as others do who have no hope.” Without a doubt she is in a better place. Illness and disease harassed her at the end, casting an unfamiliar façade over the natural, sweet temper which had so characterized her. But that wasn’t who she was. My every recollection of her is, and always will be, draped in a delicate veil of gentleness, charm, kindness, and generosity.

Godspeed, Aunt Beverly. I look forward to our heavenly reunion. And to Uncle Cecil, Karen, and Stuart, you have my deepest condolences and most heartfelt prayers.