I don’t think there is anything that makes heaven feel closer than when we must send off one of our own. My big brother Dave made his journey in the early morning hours of August 11, 2022; gone from his pain and into the glory of God. I can imagine his smile as he embraced so many who have gone ahead, including Mom, just two and a half years ago, Dad nearly thirty-five years ago, and Granddad eighteen years ago. Dave and his wife Brenda cared for Granddad in his final years. Dave sure loved Granddad. We all did, but he and Granddad had something special. How blessed we’ve been to do life with such wonderful people whom we’ve loved so much, that missing them brings immense pain.

In the days we waited for Dave’s earthly journey to end, and in the hours since he left us, I thought of our many times together. Dave was the fun one. He planned Granddad’s eightieth birthday party complete with slides and script that had everyone laughing. He came up with the idea of surprising Mom and Dad on their twentieth anniversary. The party would take place at the ranch, but we had to get them out of the house so the guests could arrive. So, we blindfolded them, put them in the car, and Dave drove randomly through the valley to confuse them, so they didn’t know we were taking them back home.

Dave had the idea to be Santa one year so the three of us climbed out of bed in the middle of the night, nightgowns rolled up under our coats (Colleen & I anyway) to do morning feeding chores while Dad & Mom slept. When our parents woke, a shepherd’s cane, propped by the front of the door, included a note from Santa: “The chores are done. Merry Christmas.” One afternoon, Mom put a ham in the oven for dinner. With tape recorder in hand, the three of us went to the farrowing barn where Dave squeezed a piglet until it squealed. Colleen and I recorded it and then at dinner, when Dad put the knife into the ham, Dave turned on the squealing piglet recording, the recorder hidden in his lap under the table. Dad stopped cutting the ham and off went the recording. Dad shook his head and reinserted the knife. On went the piglet recording again. Dad caught on, and we all howled with laughter.

Dave and I shared our birthday celebrations since they were two years minus one day apart. Mom always made two cakes so we wouldn’t feel like we were really sharing! Of course, Grandma always brought a gift for little sister Colleen so she wouldn’t feel left out. Yep, you got it, the youngest was spoiled!

Dave is the one I double-dated with in high school since my girlfriends were perfect dates for him and his friends were perfect dates for me. I guess Dad & Mom figured we’d help each other make good choices. Dave’s also the one I fought with over who got to drive the car at college. Oh man, we had some doozies, but we always found our way back to friendship. As adults, Ron and I enjoyed pinochle games with him and Brenda, where the guys squared off against the gals! Since Dave can’t correct me on this, I’m pretty sure we gals won most of the time!

It’s impossible to relay all the memories. Perhaps one of my most heartfelt memories is when we were helping our mother in the final moments of her life. Surrounding her bed, our hands were joined together as Dave prayed over her. Then we all kissed her goodbye and Dave said, “I’ll be right behind you Mom.” None of us, including Dave, had any idea he too had cancer, cancer that would be discovered two weeks after Mom’s passing.

As we prepare to celebrate my brother’s life, I think his words are a great reminder; for aren’t we all just right behind those who have passed from this life? We don’t know when our earthly clock will chime its final hour, or when we will turn the page from this life to eternity; but we have today to make the memories, have long conversations, and plan the fun. One thing is certain though. When I cross over to heaven’s glory, I’m pretty sure there will be an amazing celebration, because the FUN guy is there, using his God-given talent of planning events for something really special.

Dave, thanks for making our life journey better by giving of yourself, even if it meant having to knock a few rough spots off each other. We stuck it out, through thick and thin, honoring the people who made us family. You’ve now received your crown of life, and when God ordains it, we’ll be right behind you.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV).