Letter from a Great Grandson
Nearly a week has come and gone since we laid my grandmother to rest. An empty void takes her place, along with a lifetime of memories of a grandmother who loved us and a legacy to live up to. One of my nephews had written a letter to her when he heard her illness was gaining on her and emailed it to my sister to read to her. Unfortunately, Grandma passed away before the letter reached her. Never the less, this letter was read aloud at Grandma’s funeral, as it contains words of promise, hope and encouragement for all.
Dear Great Grandma Verlie,
I would start out by asking you, “how are you doing?” but my mom has been filling me in on your health circumstances, so I know that you have seen better days. It sure was nice to see and visit with you over Christmas, even if it was just for a short time. I was looking forward to discussing politics with you, and your conservative vigor didn’t let me down.
We were saddened to hear of your cancer diagnoses, and that the chemo treatment has made you extremely weak and tired. I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through such an ordeal, and at 92 years young, it must be very hard. We will be praying that the Lord Jesus will give you strength as you endure this health trial. While laying in bed one night, I was trying to put myself in the shoes of a 92 year old grandma, who has been going through chemo therapy, and who frankly lacks the strength to do almost anything. No doubt many thoughts ran through my mind, including that I’m possibly nearing the end of my life on this Earth sooner, rather than later. These thoughts brought a type of fear to me, which may be what you are feeling. But as I was thinking, the still quiet voice of the Lord began to come and remind me of the truths and promises that He has given to us, His faithful followers, and I thought I would share some of these truths to you.
I can imagine that you are assuredly missing the strength that you once had to get up and do everyday activities. I can hardly stand it when I’m ill in my bed for more than one day. But the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that these perishable bodies, filled with aches, pains, broken bones, and cancer, will be raised as imperishable and raised in glory with Jesus. In 1 John 3:2, the Lord gives us such hope that the instant we see Him (.001 seconds after we die) we will be like Him because we, for the first time will see Jesus as He truly is. A thousand Hallelujahs! What a promise! I myself can hardly wait to know what that will be like. So I encourage you grandma to hold on to that promise, and anticipate with utmost eagerness the day when you will put off your old body and replace it with a new body.
Just on the other side is life no longer marred by sin, pain, or suffering. For the very first time you will be what God the Creator had always intended Verlie Hansen to be, and it will be that way forever and ever. The day is coming soon when their will be great celebration with our Father in heaven, and all who are in Christ Jesus will hear Him say, “Never again will they hunger, never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepard; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17)
Grandma, you have persevered, you have run the race, you have set your eyes on the goal, and now a crown of glory awaits you in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. The truth is that this life on earth was never meant to last forever. Our real destination is with our Father in Heaven, and to sing His praises and worship Him forever. This is the hope that all who are in Christ Jesus hold on to so tightly.
I hope this letter is an encouragement to you. I wish I was there right now to hold your hand and read it to you personally, but I can’t. I was going to say that “I hope to see you again.” But I already know that I will, in this life or in heaven, standing next to you singing God’s praises in glory.
