GOD’S SUNSHINE

Two lives blended for 52 years.

Joy, laughter, tears, and sadness shared in the pulse of daily living. They spread happiness wherever they went, my Aunt Ann and Uncle Artie. How fitting that their last name was Sunshine! Then one day my uncle was gone – taken ever so suddenly by an invisible enemy within – cancer. I wondered how my beloved aunt would adjust to losing her lifelong partner and best friend. And here I was, way over on the other side of the country. What could I do?

I waited. A couple months later, I made a special journey. Just my Aunt Ann and me – time carved out for the two of us. Here we were . . . talking, laughing, listening, hugging, looking at photos, telling stories, watching ocean waves, crying, remembering, praying, walking, sipping coffee, accepting . . . just being together.

God has taught me not to be fearful — to trust Him and believe in His power.

And thus, God has given me strength in times of challenge. I can’t imagine what it must be like to say good-bye to that special someone whose heartbeat has been synchronized with your own for more than a half-century.

But, I can understand the need to hum the melody of God’s grace. And so, with my Aunt Ann, we pushed away the darkness and discovered inner comfort and peace.

Near my aunt’s bedside, I left a small wooden figure, the Angel of Miracles, hoping that this would help my aunt breathe joy into each new day on her transformed journey. In the days to come, I pray that God’s abiding love will sustain her and all those who have lost loved ones so dear.

— Melissa King

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist