Dear Family,
Only Days since a horrible travesty severed families and even wiped out one at least completely. Thousands still search in hope. Just as many say they would at least be comforted to know they were found dead than to never know at all. Survivors tell their stories on television making clear the message “appreciate your loved ones.” yet you and I have still not called each other to ask “are you okay?” Just on the wild chance that maybe we had taken off on vacation and been a victim. Even if we do happen to know, we still haven’t called to say “Man, am I glad to know it wasn’t one of us.” Or to know what is going on with us. We’ve not even gathered together for a prayer or talked of what can we do to help. We just don’t even know how each of us are.
Yet even as I have not called you, I know that it is not because we hate each other or love each other any less. I know that we have our lives. That’s what everyone always says to explain why it’s okay to be related and not keep in touch. “We’re all busy.” “We’ve all got things on our minds.” “We’ve all got our own lives.” “We’ve all got things going on.” And “It’s just a part of growing up.” People who think families should stick together no matter what call it growing apart, but that’s far from the truth as we are closer than ever at heart. So what do we call it?
I don’t know, but I do praise God that I can take comfort in knowing where we are all eventually going and that when we all get there we will never be apart again. As the song says, “What a day of rejoicing that will be.” We will no longer have to worry about what is going on with our loved ones because there will be no more pain or sorrow, no more bombs, no war, no more ugly sin and cowardly terrorists. We will be held and joined with all our family, even our Father in heaven and our Savior and Brother Jesus Christ.
So in case anything ever happens to you or I… and we do not get to talk… or even by some horrible chance do not know what has happened to the other end… take comfort in knowing that I am not alone… and I will know that you are not alone in the arms of God. I will wait to see you again and celebrate the gift of God’s love in eternal life and peace for us all. Know that Jesus and I are thinking of you and love you always. Here’s a hug from Him and me. And if you do not know what is going on with me in the end, don’t worry… Jesus is walking with me. And just in case I were to lose you, be sure to take this hug to heaven with you until I can get there to hug you myself. Just be aware that even my hugs can never compare to the loving arms of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. If you are ever lost out in the world and cannot find me because maybe you cannot remember who you are, nor remember me, know that I will never forget you and will always keep you in my prayers. And I will also know that Jesus is walking hand in hand with you.
May God’s peace be with you always.

9-14-2001
Written by Gail Brookshire
Inspiration: A few days after 9-11