Between that fleeting moment of sleeping and waking, I feel your presence. It's as if you've been here beside me all night long. But as I wake fully, you are gone. Gone back to the place where you now live. I know how busy you are and I'm grateful that you watch over me as I sleep. It brings me peace to know you are nearby.

I miss your arms, your brawny shoulders just as they were before you got so sick. I miss your face and the feel of your breath on the back of my neck as we cuddle together at night. Even though I am sometimes lonely without you, I'd never want you to return to this place. This place was never your home. Nor is it mine. 

There are times when my spiritual eyes can see you wearing a long, white, robe and playing your trumpet. Sweet-sounding notes full of praise. I do not doubt that you spend long moments in praise and thanksgiving to our Creator. I also know that you wait for me beside the Crystal Sea. Just as you promised before you had to leave me. 

There are others who await my arrival. I see Grandma in her silver-lined rocking chair, button box in her lap and her dolls, sitting beside her in tiny, whiter than white wicker chairs. Grandpa plays his harmonica while Mom, Aunt Donna and Aunt Eva sing the old songs that sound brand new once again. They all live in beautiful mansions that sparkle with jasper and carnelian stones. The streets, paved with fine gold, run along side the sparkling Jordan River. All of you are young again and there is no pain or worries there. What joy fills my soul knowing that you all are just a breath away. 

And there!  Sattie, Jazzi, Jake and Muffy are running through a great, emerald-green meadow, leaping, romping and smiling their doggie smiles. So, it is true that our pets cross over that Rainbow Bridge. I can hardly wait for them to see me as I step into that dewy field. 

Though I long for the day I meet my Lord face to face and for the moment you and I will reunite heart to heart, I take comfort because I know that you have been assigned a special job by God. You are my Guardian Angel. And I thank you. 

“I'm kind of homesick for a country
To which I've never been before.
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
for time won't matter anymore.

Beulah Land, I'm longing for you
and some day on thee I'll stand.
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah Land -- Sweet Beulah Land

I'm looking now across the river
where my faith will end in sight.
There's just a few more days to labor.
Then I will take my heavenly flight.”

Heaven's Streets of Gold.