We know a new reality now. They are not here. Not present. Not part of our everyday lives. Not here for all the special birthdays. Not here for Thanksgiving celebrations, graduations, everyday visits. Our lives are indeed very different. Changed forever.  We see differently. We know the long forever of loss.

We also sense somehow, feel and know, at times, a “presence” in their absence. We know that “presence” in many mysterious everyday ways. All hard to explain.

And what if? 

What if, there was another day? 

Eternity and a day.

Eternity, a strange word to say in everyday life.

Yes, eternity and a day. Grace present, seen and not seen. Simply put, it is like being alive twice. Eternity and a day. A pure gift.

And what would we do and say to them? 

Where would we go? 

These questions and hopes we carry inside. And we know… much like the loving grandfather in the wonderful film “Belfast” who says to young Buddy, “Belfast will be here when you get back”, but Buddy asks, “will you?”, and Pop tells him, “I’m going nowhere you won’t find me”.

Indeed, powerful words we all need to remember.