It becomes a face-off between ourselves and the sunrise as we resist the closing door on her final day here.

How can life simply go on, as if the veil had never parted?

Her angelic escort had stood by.

They were just on the other side, waiting.

Her spirit struggled to free itself from her earthbound cocoon.

Ripples of love emanated from where she was, connecting her with the hearts of those who loved her far and near.

And then the one who loved her best stepped up to perform the ultimate sacrifice of love: To let her go.

The angels parted, and the arms of the only One who could possibly love her more reached through and raised her to Him self.

For one lingering moment you held her hand.  Could you feel Him there?  Did you hear Him whisper “I have her” as you three shared the final breath which released her spirit?

A shudder and then, so softly, so tenderly, oh so quietly, she was no longer there.

He carried her over the threshold as her precious body fell away, empty and still as His grave-clothes on that day long ago.

And in that triumphant moment, your Elizabeth Mae, your Mama, your Nana was born into true life.

May that same Jesus hold you close.