I have always loved these words - as my father and mother were so deeply in love and tied to one another. They also have meaning as my mother couldn't swim (stick with me here), so when we went to the beach, she'd draw pictures in the sand, or make the most amazing sculptures. People would stop and admire them. At any rate, while it was Daddy who died first, the reference in the lyrics to pictures in the sand means a lot to me and illustrates the reunion of my parents.
"I believe my steps are growin' wearier each day
Still I've got another journey on my mind
Lures of this old world have ceased to make me wanna stay
And my one regret is leavin' you behind
But if it proves to be his will that I am first to go
And somehow I've a feelin' it will be
When it comes your time to travel likewise, don't feel lost
For I will be the first one that you'll see
And I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with the shout
And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand
Through this life we've labored hard to earn our meager fare
It's brought us trembling hands and failing eyes
So I'll just rest here on this shore and turn my eyes away
Until you come, then we'll see paradise
And I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with the shout
And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand
I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with the shout
And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand."
Bless you all in your journeys. As Psalm 30:5 says - "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning."
I love your sentiment that your dad needs plenty of time to get things "perfect."
Thank you, everyone, for your comments. They were an amazing couple and exemplary parents - considering how hard it is to be PERFECT parents! We stayed out of trouble and married well, so I credit them for that - at least in part.
We saw Mother (I call her Mamacita on Facebook) today. She had been in SNC for a day and a half. She was in a good mood. Pretty confused as to exactly where in the building she was and used to be. They hadn't had time to get her room completely set up, so it was kind of a mess, but I'm sure they'll get it put together soon. Her artwork will be hung on the walls around her bed. We may have to take some stuff home with us, as well. My sister and her husband will probably be coming at some point toward the end of February. They live 4 hours away, so only make it once a month. I'm every Sunday, and POA, as I'm only an hour away. I usually bring old pictures with me, as she really enjoys seeing the faces of people she has forgotten. I usually have an anecdote or two to share with her (good thing my long-term memory is so much better than my short-term memory!!). She's such a joy, but it is still in my mind the way she was when she was my age - 65, or even 20 years before that. It's hard to reconcile the two, so I just pretend in my mind that she's a new sweet little lady I'm visiting. :)
So sorry for the loss of your father.
Condolences.
I so want my kids to remember us like that...wish I had your parents’ marriage playbook. What a blessing for you to know you are part of them. I hope your mom’s final days are an easy transition into glory.
peace and hugs to everyone here.
It must have been amazing to grow up and be raised surrounded by such love.
Thank you for sharing.
Your words gave me a warm chuckle and provides an explanation with my dad having gone almost 20 years ago and Mom in her 90's still going strong. Dad will need all that time to get things "perfect" for Mom, as there cannot be a speck of dust anywhere :)
((hugs))