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Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

0 posted 2003-01-26 03:52 PM

An Adverse Perspective
By Larry Chadwick

There is nothing like adversity to change your perspective of heaven. Don’t get me wrong, heaven always looked appealing. Though harps and angels never really interested me eternity certainly did. And I have always taken for granted the opportunity to get to know my Savior personally. Then two members of my family died unexpectedly. Ginger, my twenty eight year old daughter and my dad, ten weeks later.

Now seems to be a good time to reevaluate my thoughts about heaven. Suddenly it occurs to me that finding things to do for eternity are the least of my concerns about heaven. I no longer take for granted my relationship to my Savior, here or in heaven. Now the things I look forward to take on a new perspective.

I have come to terms with the reality that these two losses are not my last. I come from a large and close knit family. Each of my parents have eight siblings. That is a lot of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. There will be more losses, probably many. After five generations on both sides of my family I have come to know many family members. Heaven. Eternity. Family reunions. Jesus Christ. I’m not too concerned about what to do with eternity anymore.

In fact, going through my things the other day I found a letter from my dad. Dad said, “I want to travel with you when we get to heaven. Pick out a place and we will go, just the two of us.” My last trip with dad was a delight. He was on the back of a great big leather dressed motorcycle that I was driving. We stopped at Snoqualmie Falls on our way to the top of Snoqualmie Pass. And I thought that was fun. I can hardly wait for our next trip together. I think I’ll pick a place far, far away.

Heaven. It doesn’t seem so unknown to me anymore. Adversity has it’s advantages. You just don’t see them until you’ve experienced them. Odd the value of trials. I’ll never seek them but I’ll never avoid them either.

January 26, 2003

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Kellie_Cantrell
Senior Member

since 2002-05-22

Posts 1667
New York

1 posted 2003-01-26 03:59 PM

I hope your trip is very fun adn fulfulling... Its really neat your familyis so close.

(¨`·.·´¨) (¨`·.·´¨)
  ·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)¸.·´
     *`·.¸.·´*
    Love Always
       Kellie

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

2 posted 2003-01-26 05:23 PM

God gives us the world to explore while we are here. Can you only imagine the trips you and your father will take when you meet him again? Boggles the mind. Right now, I hear your peace of heart...and I, myself, personally, am thanking God for that.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

3 posted 2003-01-27 08:54 AM

Kellie,
It's heaven...how could it be any less? Thanks.

Karilea,
With encouragement from friends like you...I can hardly feel otherwise. Thank you.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

lorenlynn
Member

since 2003-01-27

Posts 203
California Beaches

4 posted 2003-01-27 07:21 PM

What insight you have in spite of adversity, that we could all be so blessed.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

5 posted 2003-01-27 11:27 PM

lorenlynn,
Thank you for such kind and considerate thoughts.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

SPIRIT
Senior Member

since 2002-12-29

Posts 1745
California Desert

6 posted 2003-02-02 03:19 PM

You write in truth, all your writing does. A gift indeed for us and yourself.

I be me BUT who does me be?

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

7 posted 2003-02-02 11:08 PM

SPIRIT,
Well, compliments don't get much nicer than that. Thank you for your kindness.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

8 posted 2003-02-04 11:35 AM

Larry,
Not sure how to respond here. I have never dealt with loss of a family member yet and only wish that the inevitable be delayed as humanely long as possible

Though i guess i really should start talking deeply to my parents...time isn't always on our side huh?

cpalmer
Senior Member

since 2001-06-26

Posts 977
Phoenix, Az

9 posted 2003-02-04 03:06 PM

Larry,
The loss of family members can really change your thoughts doesn't it? I understand...I can't wait for the day when we all meet in Heaven and I can talk to Ginger personally and tell her what a lucky girl she was to have you for a dad. And then get to tell your dad what a wonderful son he raised! For now we just have live each day to the fullest and look forward to that wonderful day in the sky!
Love ya
Cindi

God is our inspiration; Words of the heart can be music to our ears
Cpalmer

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

10 posted 2003-02-04 09:51 PM

kaile,
Time isn't on anybodies side. And yup...talk to the folks, often. Bless you for being so honest and kind.

Cindi,
And I think often of your brother. Bless you sweet friend. Peace and hope to you as well.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

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