childandgod2

Dear God:

I did what You said. I imagined my Grandpa as a furry caterpillar. It made me laugh! The caterpillar in my mind had a pipe in his mouth and a funny look on his face. He knew that if my Grandma saw him smoking he might get her "what are you doing with that thing" look. It is easy to imagine my Grandpa as a butterfly. When I close my eyes I see him...gentle, bright, floating in the air with the sun sparkling on his wings. I'm happy that my Grandpa is with you in heaven. He told me that he knew everything was going to be all right because Jesus was going to take him to meet You. I am glad that he doesn't feel sick or tired anymore. But I feel sad too, because he isn't here for me to work with, talk to, or hug. I am happy that I know that Grandpa will like being with You. I know that makes both of you fell happy too. But, sometimes I feel a little bit mad at Grandpa and at You because I wanted Grandpa to get better and stay here with me. It is very weird feeling glad, sad, happy and mad all at the same time. Do you still love me when I feel mad at you?

Dear Annie:

I will always love you, even when you feel a little bit mad at me. When Jesus brought your Grandpa home with Him today....I gave him a great big hug for you. I know that it is hard to say good-bye to someone that you care about. It doesn't seem to matter that you know that the place they are going to is full of sunshine, happiness and love. I remember how sad my Son, Jesus felt when his freind Lazarus died. It's okay to feel sad and even a little mad. I understand. Just remember that the things that are special about your Grandpa will always be with you, especially when you hear, or tell, a "Grandpa" story, see something he made, or when you just sit quietly and remember the things that you did with him. I know that remembering doesn't feel as good as having him there with you, but it will help youfeel better until you can say hello to him again.