Yesterday my mom would have been 84 years old. I still miss her, even after all these years. The world looks very different when your parents are no longer in it. I was going on 42 years old when mom passed, and it affected me tremendously, even as an adult, even knowing in my heart that she was going to a much better place.

I can only imagine how disturbing it would be for a child to experience this loss. The terror and feeling of being lost and orphaned could be devastating. Maybe that's one reason that James tells us that "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their time of affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

I am so thankful for all the years that I had my parents with me on this earth, and for all the wonderful memories I carry with me in my heart. I'm also so thankful for the hope I have that I will be with them again eternally. Thank you Jesus!