Tribute to my friend Praise

You stood
on the edge of the cliff
looking at the other side
toes hanging over the lip
hair blowing in the wind
your infectious laugh
echoing against the beauty surrounding you.
You so intently
embraced
the complexity
and simplicity
of life
you did not have time
to worry about the chasm.

But this is you:
If you loved,
you did so wholeheartedly
If you cried,
you poured your heart out
If you laughed,
you awoke a sleepy room
If you listened,
you did it intently
If you sang,
you shared your soul
If you spoke,
with honesty and vulnerability.

We weep for what could have been
but we celebrate what was
A life that did not hold back
waiting for the right time to begin.
You lived openly, passionately
as if each day was your last
inviting others
without discrimination
into the warm circle
of your friendship.

Last week
you did not know
how quickly your death approached.
But someone who lives the way you did
need not change too many things
had you but known.

But
we all stand with you
on the edge of the cliff.
We forget
how narrow the chasm
between this side and the next.
Some of us are too distracted
with worries and anxieties
overcome with regret and sorrow
preparing to begin living
distracted with empty pleasures and entertainment
fearful of the other side
forgetting our purpose.
We do not embrace life
so wholeheartedly
as you did.

We strain to see you
on the other side
Our human frailty
obscures our vision.
But if we close our eyes
and use our faith
we can see you
clearly
walking with Jesus
in the open, flowered field
your beautiful dress
blowing in the wind
"Look!" you say, pointing.
"I see the ocean!
Jesus, did you know that is my favorite place?"
You throw your head back
and laugh
for the sheer joy of it
for the beauty untainted
by human sorrow and pain.

You are doing well, Praise.
But we are not.
You have left an impossible hole
we cannot fill.
We stand at the chasm
our eyes closed
so that we can see you
But one day we will open them again.
And on that day,
may we treasure life
a little dearer
may we give to others
more freely
may we forgive easier
love deeply
celebrate the moment-by-moment
pain and sweetness of life
so that we honor your life
so that your special spirit
remains with us always
until the day
when we, too,
step across the chasm.