Loose ties.

A year and a half ago I lost a dearly loved cousin - her name was Tina. She was 50 years old and she died of graft vs. host disease - a terrible complication of bone marrow transplants in leukemia patients. She fought a valiant fight, but we lost her. It was Heaven's gain, surely, but the light in the world seems a little less bright without her. At the funeral, my cousin Nancy was one who spoke of who Tina was - and what she meant to her. They shared the same birthday and they were best friends as well as being cousins.
Another light went out in our world on Thursday morning as Nancy also was taken from us. She had a very serious auto accident last April, and although her fight was also valiant and she returned home from the hospital just 2 weeks ago, on Wednesday morning she went into cardiac arrest and was without oxegen far too long. When the doctors were sure, the heroic measures were ceased and Nancy passed away.
Now, although our relationship was always close when we were kids, life was in the way - the ties that bound us together were still there, but not tied quite as tight. When we would get together it would be like we were never apart - could catch up with ease.
Tomorrow afternoon, my sister will fly into town, stay at our house over night and on Sunday we will head to Ohio for the wake and funeral. A chance for Chelle and I to catch up, but it would be so much better if it didn't have to be for Nancy's funeral.
There is a loneliness in me tonight, has been since yesterday. But there is also thanksgiving for the grace by which God saved Nancy. He took her from our world for His kingdom in heaven.
But we have her life to celebrate and we will do that. Together, on Monday, as a family.
Ron and Kasey will be ok here by themselves for 36 hours - grandpa knows the way to Kasey's school - and he knows how to make Dinosaur eggs oatmeal.
Family ties - they often feel nearly UNtied - and yet, at times like this, we know that God has kept them intact.
God bless our troops - may His love be ever with them.