Now I Understand

My friend’s Dad died today. 

It makes you think.

Yes, he had a long, wonderful life.  Yes, he had children and grandchildren and lived to enjoy them.  Yes, he had a happy marriage and a good job and he was a good person.  Yes, my friend should be pleased that he showed love and gratitude and took care of his Dad.  He’s a good son. 

 None of this changes the fact that his Dad is gone. 

No reassurance, no offer of condolence, no acknowledgement of a life well lived will bring him back.  He is gone. 

How brief it seems he was here. 

I remember complaining once to my mom about the days going slow when I had babies and diapers and chaos.  She said, “The days go by slow but the years go by fast.”  Now I understand.   

My dad once said, “You wake up one day and you’re 50”.  That seemed so far off for me, I just shrugged and went about my business.  Now I understand. 

Maybe it’s like this for everyone.  All the things our parents told us start to make sense.  We too, say things like “Don’t wish it away…”

This is good news in a way.  Maybe all the things we’ve been told end up making sense to us.  I like to think this is true about the things we are told about God and the afterlife.  I picture my friend’s Dad, when he got up to Heaven laughing as he saw St. Peter at the gate thinking, “Really, you are here?”…the gate is open…Jesus is there too, waiting, ready, welcoming him home. 

I can almost hear him saying, “Now I understand.”