The Last Goodbye by Rosemary Legrand

You never know when your last goodbye will be:

Christmas is a great time to appreciate the special people in your life and let them know how grateful you are for their presence. We never know when we will have to say goodbye to a loved one, whether it is a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or friend.  So, cherish the time you have together— love, laugh, travel, and enjoy each other. Live life with no regret

When we express our love and appreciation through heartfelt words, we create a lasting impact on our loved ones’ hearts.  Remember, love is not just a feeling; it is something that needs to be expressed. So, don’t hold back from showing your love with words, such as “I love you.” Those three words can mean the world to a loved one  

1 Corinthians 13:4 is a Scripture to live by.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs,Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Last year, my best friend was diagnosed with Cancer. She was very special to me. When I lived in London, we were inseparable. We traveled to fun places around Europe, went to the theatre, movies, and restaurants together. (We love good food). One of the things I remember most is that we laughed a lot. When I was in London, we would meet as we used to. The last time I saw her was in March. I wanted to see her before I returned to the States since she was going through chemotherapy. I went to visit her and was surprised to see her standing outside the train station, waiting for me. We hugged, held hands, and walked a little. We stopped at a restaurant to grab a bite, then went to her house to spend the rest of the time there. Again, we laughed and reminisced about the good old days. Just before I left, I prayed with her. She said to me, “I cannot wait for you to return to London. I will meet you for lunch.”

That will not happen because she went home to be with the Lord three weeks ago. Was I heartbroken? YES!!!  But I kept remembering the last time I spent with her. It was unquestionably the best time, and that memory will be etched in my heart forever. What if I had returned to the States without seeing her? I would live a life of regret.

Since we never know when the last time will be with a loved one, cherish every moment you have with them. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them.  Because you never know when the last goodbye will be.

I could not attend her funeral, but I sent this poem to be read to the family as a source of encouragement.

In My Heart by Rosemary Legrand

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today, thinking of all the things we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

 But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do. It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could re-live yesterday just even for a while, I’d say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

 But when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home, when God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity, and all I’ve promised you. “Today, your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew. Today will always last, and since each day is the same way, there’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do. But you have been forgiven, and now at last, you’re free. Would you consider joining me and becoming a part of my life?”

So, when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart.

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