We hadn't seen them since we left the school -- three years ago, but our memories of Jack were as clear as day. He was a pistol. He always had the next question on his tongue before the first answer was finished, and his energy was constant. He was amazingly intelligent, which put him at odds sometimes with the "norms" -- very much like my daughter, which is probably why she liked him so much. When he was little he had a way of looking at you with his head tilted, as if he was carefully considering what you had just said.
The church today was overflowing. There were boys in little league uniforms, people in boy scout uniforms, and many families in the Christian school uniforms that we used to wear.
Amazingly, his mother was able to stand up and tell us about Jack and his special gifts of the heart, and share so much of the joy he brought to their lives. Through Jack, she was also able to share her certainty of the Gospel of Truth.
Their grief will never cease although it may dull somewhat, allowing them to go on. Yet, their certainty that they will see Jack in heaven sustains them. I don't preach here very often, but praise GOD for people, who in the midst of tragedy, share their faith and their certainty that God is walking with them, carrying them when necessary.
Have fun asking all those questions, Jack. When we get there, you can fill us in on the answers.
