When You Fly

Been listening to a new song, When You Fly by Ansel Brown. Listening to the lyrics with my eyes closed. Remembering flying with my Dad. 'Up above the clouds and mist. Up there in the heavens, where the sun always shines. Like an eagle wild and free, dancing softly on the breeze. Up there you always come alive, when you fly.' Remembering looking out the window as we soared high. Such a privilege few know. But I do.

Just thinking I need to keep looking out the window. Been taking the aisle seat lately. Closing down to that which is around me. Giving up some of my dreams. Keep looking for the amazing things. Stop adding to the list of things I don't do anymore. Maybe just FLY!

'I've seen the sunset from above, the soft glow of city lights, and up there a billion stars a night. When you fly, when you fly. Just you on those wings soaring high, You always lived to fly, and you dared to dream and above it all you've seen amazing things, sometimes you even feel the hand of God. When you fly. When you fly, there is no place, that you would rather be. When you fly you know that you are living your dreams. When you fly. When you fly, when you fly, just you on those wings soaring high, You always lived to fly, and you dare to dream and above it all you've seen amazing things, sometimes you even feel the hand of God......when you fly. When you fly. When you fly. Just FLY.'

Dedicated to my dear Dad who lived to fly and dared to dream.

A life well loved

Her name was Fern. She was a mom and grandmother my age. I didn't know her but I know her daughter. I wish I had known her. She was an awesome lady. First I was impressed with the obituary that her family wrote about her. It was such a beautiful testimony of a life well loved. Fern was a Proverbs 31 woman who loved the Lord.

I have always wanted to have some unconventional music at my funeral service. Like Heaven Bound by dcTalk. Fern chose her music selections and seems we share the same style. A rock n roll song, Amazing Grace and His Eye Is On The Sparrow. Two of the songs I already had decided I wanted. Now I am sure I will include my dcTalk song. After all, it is ME.

My daughter told me about Fern's red dress. She didn't usually wear dresses. She told her daughter to buy her one. Her daughter said she thought she would want to be buried in a tie-dye shirt and jeans. No, she wanted to go out in a red dress. So red dress she had.

Fern's body was laid to rest in the same cemetery as my parents. Within sight of my parents graves. Fern's name is my Mom's middle name.

Why go to a funeral of someone I did not know? Being a cancer survivor, I feel a kinship with someone who had cancer. Sure, I sometimes wonder why them and not me. And I admit I often feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. But I go to honor them for fighting the same battle I have fought. If we know the Lord, we are all victorious in this battle. Whether we are still here or gone on ahead.

Fern lived well, fought well and died well. Great is her reward.