I was blessed to make it to my 40’s without losing a grandparent. My grandma was lively, feisty and had extra dose of spunk. She was the only texting 80 year old that I knew, and she had the most infectious laugh. It was the beginning COVID pandemic protocols and lockdown was fresh in everyone’s minds. The world seemed like a different, fearful place. There was a sense that nothing would ever be the same again. It was during this unprecedented time in modern history that my grandma entered the hospital. Suddenly, Jesus whisked her off to heaven, and left our family with a large hole in all our hearts.

The following morning we knew we had to tell ‘the bubbies’, my twin nieces. How do you explain death to 6 years olds? We decided to honor grandma with a beach trip. It was one of her favorite place in the whole world; perhaps that is why it is mine too. My sister, in her divine parenting wisdom, explained to the bubbies that heaven is where the ocean meets the horizon. It was such beautiful symbolism. Now each time I look at the oceans’ horizon, I am filled with the hope of heaven.

That beach day was a beautiful memory with laughter and tears. My mom, sister, brother, and the bubbies, all came together, to pay tribute to the rock of our family. We brought a bouquet of flowers. Each of us picked our favorite flower from the bouquet and tossed them into the ocean with the expectation they would float out into the horizon.

After the heaven on the horizon explanation and the tossing of the flowers into the sea, we didn’t count on what would happen next. Looking back now it seems obvious, but in the moment, the logic escaped us.  It was 4th of July weekend, and the beach was crowded. We had an unexpected audience of confused adults watching as our family mixed with adults and bubbies starting throwing flowers into the ocean. ‘Predictably’, the tide brought half of the flowers back onto the shore. The bubbies became worried that the flowers would not reach grandma. Determinations set in; earnestly and with great fervor the bubbies retrieved and threw back each of the returning flowers; over and over and over again. Our audience of strangers’ confusion turned to levity. We were unwittingly starring in our very own comedy hour on the beach.

At this point, another unexpected event happened, other children began helping the bubbies.  These helpful kiddos were just as clueless as the adults; not understanding why flowers where being tossed into the ocean; however they saw the desperate attempt to get the flowers off to sea. The bubbies and their new helpers made sure all flowers made it out. In the end, every last flower was floating off toward the horizon of heaven.

Mamas, never underestimate the power of your influence. On that special day, we had perfect strangers helping us send the flowers into the ocean.  These kiddos didn’t know why or what we were doing. But they saw the urgency of our purpose, and they wanted to join in.  Mamas you never know who is watching, or mimicking your behavior. Even something as crazy looking as tossing flowers into the ocean waves, can catch the aide of strangers.

This rough life is full of rough waters, tears and trials, but mamas beyond the waves lay the calm peace of God, and the hope of heaven.

 “Oh that I had wings like a dove; then I could fly away and rest. “ Psalms 55:6