Sunday, April 15, 2007

Besides this earth.....

"Besides this earth, and besides the race of men, there is an invisible world and a kingdom of spirits: that world is 'round us, for it is everywhere; and those spirits watch us, for they are commissioned to guard us; and if we were dying in pain and shame, if scorn smote us on all sides, and hatred crushed us, angels see our tortures, recognise our innocence (if innocent we be: .......), and God waits only the separation of spirit from flesh to crown us with a full reward. Why, then, should we ever sink overwhelmed with distress, when life is so soon over, and death is so certain an entrance to happiness-- to glory?"
...from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

My Mom-in-law passed away last Wednesday; we had a memorial service for her yesterday. We're kind of tired and worn out. She was my other mother; sweet and loving. Thankfully, we got lots of time with her. My sisters-in-law are not like us. They looked so puzzled when I would come over and climb onto the bed with Dena and hold her and tell her why I loved her. Dena certainly had no problem with it. My husband's sisters are more concerned with appearances....is the house completely clean and together? Is everything everywhere FOLDED?? ;-)


Then, we came home to a neighbor grousing about a tree branch overhanging his yard, sniping at me because I had asked him if he wanted it removed a few weeks ago. That project unfortunately stalled with Dena's hospitalization, re-hospitalization and death. Legally, he has always had the right to remove the branch from his property line....and I'm not responsible for it, nor liable for any debris, etc., from a healthy tree. I was planning on having it removed as a neighborly thing...and at our expense. He really didn't give a damn that we'd had a rough month. He just cared about his pool. I let all of that drench me with more guilt....my house needs a good cleaning; I'm behind in my work because of my MIL, the big mural and a hanging-on case of bronchitis; our yard needs work, etc. I'm trying not to get down about it all. Oh. Too late.

But then, this morning, a friend sent me this quote from Jane Eyre. She had just picked up the book and read it again this last week. This passage jumped out at her. I'd never really paid attention to it til now...and I know she sent it because it was for the both of us at this time. It's wonderful. Maybe it's for you, too, as well. Thank you all for your sweet prayers and comments! :-)

12 comments:

Kevin Knox said...

A beautiful quote. I'm sorry it had to be so appropriate.

In His day, we will rise and be together.

Maranatha

Chris Ledgerwood said...

Sorry for your loss.

pearlie said...

With deepest condolences. Jesus is the resurrection and the life and we await the day where all of us will rise and meet God face to face and see other again.

God bless.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you were able to voice your love at such a difficult moment.

Things in life slowly get done at the pace they are going to get done at .

Take a moment to rest

Good bless
Praying for you and your family

kc bob said...

You (and your words) inspire me Karen. I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings of comfort and courage to you as you navigate through this most difficult period.

Bob

Bruce said...

I'm sorry for your grief, and your guilt. May the peace of God and the God of peace be with you and your family during this time.

B~

Anonymous said...

I too lost some close friends this week, my Mom's best friend and a dear, dear aunt of mine, one of the finest ladies I've ever known. Two funerals on Saturday were draining. I'm totally fine now, knowing that these two fine ladies are home with the Father, free of the pain and suffering. Hope you will find the peace of God in your grief.

Joe said...

Karen,

I'm sorry about your loss and your pain. Please don't add to your pain by feeling guilty. Putting your mother-in-law before the housekeeping is appropriate. Remember it's "the" housekeeping, NOT "your" housekeeping.

Gigi said...

You in your grief have inspired....I am too very sorry for your loss and proud of you for loving her as He led....

Missy said...

I pray for comforting from the Father for all of you. Bless you for your honesty and keep Milly's words in mind. She's right, you can only do what you can do.

{{{hugs}}}

Helen said...

Love and prayers to you dear friend,

Helen x.

Mark D said...

Karen,
I am so sorry to read about your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.