My phone rang pretty early this morning. The ring tone meant it was one of two people. Usually, it’s my best friend calling. But my caller id said “Mom & Dad” and my heart sped up just a bit. Mom doesn’t risk waking me up unless it’s something important. And that’s usually not good.
My cousin Ray died this morning. I don’t know any details, not even how it happened. He was quite a few years older than I, already an adult by the time I had any memories of him. But I still grew up with him in my life. He was quirky. Funny. He was just always there. And now he’s not. I do believe this is the first of her children that my aunt has lost. She must be beside herself right now. I wish I could go back to be with everyone, even though there’s not really anything I can do.
Dad recently sent me some of Ray’s old home movies. I hadn’t watched them, due to time, but we popped it in the DVD player just after mom’s call. I sat and watched so many of my cousins grow up. I saw my mom and dad when they were newly married, and so cute. And then I caught my breath when my Granny came on screen. I wasn’t expecting to see her or Grandpa. And I started crying. I miss my family. I miss my grandparents, my uncle who died several years ago (almost 10, I think), and all the others who’ve already gone on.
And then I looked down at my son, patiently watching the moving pictures with us. Life goes on in our children.
So tonight, I hold my little boy and my husband a little closer, thankful for every minute together that God graces us with. Hold your family close. Hug your children a little tighter tonight. Happy Love Thursday, everyone.
