The Next Journey

Many years ago, my youngest son burst into tears when I told him that I couldn’t answer his questions about heaven. The uncertainty in my voice was the trigger.  The idea that he and his brother and his parents might not be just like we were that night, together forever in the afterlife, was too much for him to bear.   

I thought of that conversation as I sat next to my dad’s bedside, after a long night in the emergency room, and I watched him take his last breath. For a few minutes he appeared to be sleeping, but then I watched as the blue life left his body…it seemed to dissipate in air. I stroked his forehead, wondering if this was it or whether he had just started next journey.  Was he touching the moon as he zoomed towarded the stars? Was he whirling around Saturn? Or already dancing on the surface of Pluto?

I hoped he was ascending to the heavens, like a joyful small star, deciding…Where to go next? Who to see first? 

Holy One, welcome our loved ones to your expansive embrace,

and thank you for the eternal nature of love.

Judy, member, Peace Christian Church UCC.