For Julie - Inside the Gate

A good friend passed away this week after a heroic battle with cancer. Julie was one of the kindest, sweetest and most cheerful people I have had the privilege of knowing. Her life illustrated Maya Angelou's well known quote: "People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." Julie made you feel good.

She wasn't  famous, wasn't rich according to earthly standards, and only influenced a small circle of friends and family, but she made a difference. I can personally recall numerous times she went out of her way to make things easier for others. I rarely heard her complain, and when I picture her, I visualize her laughing. I can't recall seeing her when she wasn't cheerful.

Over the years God has granted me small glimpses of heaven, tiny peeks into what is waiting for us on the other side of this veil of tears, and it is beyond my capability to explain, except to say this: I want it, and I want it enough to change my willful habits and follow Julie's example of a Christian life.

I don't expect a mansion, like the one I know Julie has. A small cottage may be too much to expect, and even a studio apartment might be more than I deserve, however, if I can just get inside the gate and be reunited with Julie, and all my friends and family already there, it would be enough.  I don't even care if I have to stand with my back against the wall for all eternity, as long as I am inside the gate.

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. Cherokee proverb.

You did, Julie, and we mourn your passing.