Wednesday, March 25, 2009

To Be Absent From the Body

Joyce Olivia Young Shelby, March 17, 1947—March 19, 2009

When my son was born, she held him before I did.
My daughter bears her name, J-O-Y.
She loved me through the toughest season of my life.
Without her, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

She was unflinchingly honest,
elaborately generous,
unfailingly gracious.
She kept her word.

She loved with her actions and her prayers.

Her last status update on Facebook read, in part, “ I may be leaving you very soon.”

Too soon.

She was our spiritual mom and godmother, mothering us over the miles and though heartaches.

She ended nearly every conversation by reminding me that Jesus was coming back soon, saying “Tonight would be good.”

She is missed, but not for long.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

She lived her life “present with the Lord,” and we are better for it.

5 comments:

Jen said...

Amazingly well said. Sue I feel your heart in this and I ache with you. She will be missed and we were blessed to know her. xoxo jenk

The Animator's Wife said...

Wow, what a week... That was beautiful, Sue. Makes me wish I knew her better too. And her present JOY is more than we can even begin to imagine. Makes me want to smile and cry all a the same time!

Rebecca said...

Praying for you as you hurt.

Stillmary said...

What a beautiful tribute. She must have been the loveliest woman.

Melissa G said...

Wow, that's a beautiful tribute. She sounds like an amazing woman!

And thanks for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave your kind comment. It's nice to meet you!