Blessing of Gratitude

Maybe you have seen a tv show or movie of an awkward middle school dance where the boys are on one side of the room and the girls on the other and neither seems to know what to do. For me, funerals seem a little like an awkward dance, I am just never quite sure what I should say or do. Funerals are hard enough during normal times but with COVID 19 everyone seems to be doing the awkward dance; does one shake their hand, do you do a fist bump, to you tap elbows, what about just a nod, or do you go all-in for a hug. I wish funeral homes could just put up a sign letting everyone know what the family is or is not okay with. For us, we appreciated the hugs and I personally will always remember what I will forever call the COVID dance.

Bill, Linda, Julie, Brian, Megan, Eddie, Barbara, and I would all like to THANK everyone that came to Melinda’s going away party, visitation, and/or those that sent condolences. Pastor Bob did an amazing job telling it how it is. I know Jesus and Melinda were smiling as he spoke. Jesus knows the ones that were there that needed to hear the message. I pray they act on it before it is too late. Bob Beasley did an amazing job arranging the music and keeping everything going. I had hoped to share it with the world but my camera did not record it. I do not know why, but I believe God has his reasons. I would also like to say I am sorry if I did not get a chance to personally thank you, greet you, respond to txt/Facebook message, etc, but please know that I appreciate you reaching out or showing up.

Melinda usually always did Thank You cards, so please know that I am so very grateful to all those that sent flowers, sent and/or cooked meals, and helped us in ways that I do not even know about. Megan and I will work on Thank You cards, but until then please know that we are incredible THANKFUL.

Speaking of being thankful and grateful, I have already had several people reach out to ask how I am doing. Let me say that everyone grieves the loss of a loved one in different ways, so if you have gotten to this post via a Google search please know you would need to read the previous 100+ post before this to fully understand what I am about to say.

I miss Melinda, but I am not sad. I am rejoicing and although I will never smile the way she did, I smile every time I think of her as I know without a doubt that she is with Jesus. I am stressing a bit over the headstone, finances, how the kids are handling things, and the little things, but trust God to get us through it all.

If you do not know Jesus or you have any doubts, please reach out. I or another brother or sister in Christ would love to tell you how you can know for sure that you will join us in Jesus’s Kingdom.

I personally think that time is coming soon. As I lay down to sleep after Melinda’s visitation, I prayed that Jesus would let me see Melinda in my dreams. I normally never remember dreams and this one was a strange one. Melinda and I were driving and we were both hungry. We arrived at a BBQ place. It was not quite finished, but you could tell it was going to be amazing. We were greeted by what I wan only describe as a kindly grandmother. She told me Melinda could go on in that had a spot for her, but I had to wait just a little longer. She said the owner is almost finished building this place and when he is I and all those that know him will be called to a great feast. I then woke. Like I said I do not remember many of my dreams and I do not try to interpret them. I just know that when I woke I knew Melinda was home and we that know Jesus will join her soon.