Last night at church, the children's music ministry kicked off the celebration for the "Jungle Safari" musical. It was a great night with jungle decorations, themed wall decor, and tiger-print balloons. Oh yeah, zebra too. Sounds of laughter filled the Family Life Center as children talked, sang, and a few listened to what's in store for this year's musical. It was also good to see the adults dressed as safari leaders, and a few with painted faces to help set the right tone. Each child left with a balloon to help reinforce the lesson and theme.
After Mary and I made our way home WITH an animal print balloon, we were both walking up the stairs to the front door...when I noticed the balloon drifting off into the air (minus the weighty-object-thingy). "Mary!" I exclaimed, "what are you doing?" She smiled at me. "I wanted to give it to Nana" she calmly said. Then we both watched the balloon drift over the neighbor's house (shout out to Don and Tracy) and into the darkened skies ever so lovely. With a tear in my eye, I watched my little girl smile widely as she whispered, "I love you Nana, and I miss you. Bunches and bunches."
So last night at our Bible story time and prayer time, we talked about Nana receiving her gift from "princess Mary" and how excited she must have been to see the balloon and then showing it off to anyone willing to listen. My, how I love the innocent imagination of children and how they are eager to express their thoughts. Any thoughts. Like when you walk down the aisle of the grocery story and she comments, "He has a funny look on his face. Doesn't he daddy?" Loud enough so those two aisles over are able to hear her. (She gets that from her mother. Hey, I'm writing this. If she wants to challenge this, then she can write her own blog.) Or when she is in big church and whispers (her whispers are heard all over the congregation) "Your breath smells like coffee." Which it does, but no need to tell others. Besides, coffee is good!
Yet, in my mind (and humble opinion) Mary has helped me with the process of grief. I certainly do miss those conversations (even when I listened most of the time), her laugh, her sermons, her smile, and her encouragement. My, how silent life has become, but we do have hope. I'm reminded of that hope each time I touch a Bible. Hear a Scripture verse read aloud. See a picture of a family. Taste a sweet dessert (especially red velvet cake...yum!). Memories serve a great reminder: live life. Don't wait for it to happen...live.
My encouragement this week: go buy a balloon and let it soar into the sky. Perhaps your imagination will take you to a place filled with pleasant and wonderful memories. It sure did for me, Mary too!
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