2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (MSG)

For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we'll never have to relocate our "tents" again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.

My profile & cover photo on Facebook have been up in memory of our beloved Aunt Trishie.  Two years ago today her cancer-ravaged body was replaced by her resurrection body in heaven.  I know that I will see her again and very much look forward to that reunion.

Seems like yesterday we were keeping vigil at the hospital during that last week.  Waiting on our miracle.  Waiting on any improvement.  The miracle was that we had that last week - she was dying and we had that entire week to tell her how much she was loved for simply being Aunt Trishie.  

Several things come to mind that made Aunt Trishie special: 1. She was one of my greatest encouragers - she went unmarried for many years and always encouraged me in my decision to wait to be married.   2. She had high expectations for us but never took us to task for not living up to those expectations.  3.  She loved us like she was our mother.  Upon arriving at the hospital the day after she was admitted, my cousin Michael said, "your children are here, now," referring to her sisters' children.  4.  She always had time for us when we called or stopped by to see her.  5.  I was her pet.  I can't help it, I was the only girl out of all the sisters' children and she petted and spoiled me all my life.  Most small children want to sleep in the bed with their parents, not me.  I slept in the bed with Aunt Trishie.  Until she got married, that is...but that's a whole other blog entry.  

Losing her broke my heart.  And it hurts every single day.  Seems like yesterday...