Hope

Several years ago one of my uncle's was diagnosed with brain cancer and died a year later. I was just 14, but, it all seemed so harsh and wrong. I found it hard to watch my aunt still so vibrant and young grieving her husband. The twin brother of my uncle who's pain was deep for losing the brother who had been formed together with him in the womb.

The little grandchildren were so tiny, hardly even aware of what was going on. The many grandchildren that came since then who will never know their grandpa. My cousins were just young adults, some not even married. They are all married now, but the weddings happened without their father.

Every family gathering seemed to have a painful reminder that my uncle wasn't there, but, we moved on rejoicing in the hope of eternal life.

Than just 18 months ago the twin brother of my uncle came down with cancer. Suddenly it was happening all over again; the pain and tears that could only be understood completely by our family. It seemed like insult was being added to injury.

The world would say this is so wrong and absolutely ludicrous for our family to go through this again.

From the Bible we know God's plan is perfect and good. Therefore the death of both of my uncles was not a mistake, but, just part of the plan of a very loving and all knowing God.

[8] Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
[9] Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
[10] The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
(Psalm 34:8-10 ESV)

My uncles, also twin brothers, are buried beside each other now, however, they are not laying in a cold grave. The twins separated for over 6 years are now together once again for all eternity. We are left on earth to mourn their loss and to anticipate some day being together as family again with our Lord.

[17] Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
(1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV)