For Sylvia Biggins

My best friend's grandmother passed away just before Christmas and her funeral is in Washington, DC today. I can't be physically there to celebrate her life, but, as ever, I'm with Kevin and his family in spirit, and I'm thinking of little else today. I met Sylvia only briefly, but in that time I got to see what a light she was in this world. I got to hear her laugh, and feel her hugs, and know the depth of her love through them. She loved me because I loved her grandson, and I will never forget the smile in her eyes when I met her. Kevin asked me to write something for the program when she first passed away, and this wrote itself down. I felt more like a vessel than I've ever felt before-I truly believe this is as much by as it is for a beautiful woman I was blessed to know.

When time, at last, takes me away,
I ask you and I pray:
Sing me to eternity,
and dance from night 'til day.

When dim, dear ones, seems lantern light,
think of my smile bright,
And I will light the way for you,
from everlasting flight.

My grandson, church, my family,
the world could not keep me,
but wrapped up in my Father's arms,
I'm waiting happily.

Where I have gone there is no pain,
nor is there even rain,
so smile and know the day will come
we'll be together again.

When tomorrow comes and I can not call
to laugh at things funny and small,
remember that I am now with Him
and We will catch your every fall.

When days feel long and quiet seem,
search the sky for beams-
I am the light in winter white
and will Forever be.

Thank you for being a light in my life, Sylvia Biggins. Thank you for helping to raise my best friend, making him the extraordinary man he is.  You brought unbelievable joy to my life without even knowing. That is a memory I will keep forever. Until we meet again x