Talk about encouraging

This letter came from Gretchen's husband

Dear Loved One,

Several weeks ago in the midst of her illness, Gretchen had a brief but very vivid dream. In it she was standing on the edge of a dance floor. Jesus walked over to her and extended his hand. She put hers in his and he led her onto the dance floor. One more step and they were in glory - together. Gretchen looked around at the beauty of it all, in rapt wonder. Then Jesus asked her, "Do you want to stay?" She immediately blurted out "Yes!" Then she caught herself and sheepishly added, "But not right now." Jesus nodded with a smile and simply escorted her back to the edge of the dance floor.  She recalled the dream to me with such amazement at how easy and natural it is to "step into eternity."

Well, at about nine this morning, she quietly and confidently took that step again, but this time for real. She stepped out of this world, now shrunk for her to the size of a queen-size bed, made special by all the love and goodness brought and mailed in to her by loving friends and family.  She walked into a world filled with colors and sounds so glorious it will take "ages" to explore them all. Even better, she was accompanied by the one Person who loves her more than I do. After all I have only known her 44 years, whereas He has known her at least 63, some might say, "since eternity past."

Strangely, I am not jealous, but joyous, for her and Him. I know that grief will come, but at least for now our sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren who celebrated a happy Christmas with us, are still here, and we are still wrapped in her love. When we get it scheduled, we will invite you to join us for a Celebration of her Beautiful Life. Meanwhile, thank you for doing so much to make these last six months more sweet than bitter.

We love you,

Dave and Gretchen Claybrook