It’s been seven weeks since I’ve written anything on this site. (This is only partly due to the fact I broke my glasses, as previously stated on May 1.) My mind and heart have been occupied with the physical deterioration of my closest kin. On June 11, my twin sister transitioned from this earth to heaven.
She had struggled with Parkinson’s disease for about 12 years. Then, more recently, cancer. I am comforted that her suffering is over. At the same time, I feel lonely and sad. My child-heart wants to believe she is just hiding, playing a game of “hide and seek” like we did when we were children. After a while, my heart will accept the truth. For now, I am not even trying to convince it. I am looking at photos I have of my sister’s smiling face.
I believe she is smiling, and her vision, which had also deteriorated, is perfect. Her weak legs are strong. No more need for a walker. No more difficulty in speaking. She’s singing with a clear and beautiful voice. No more pain. No more suffering.
When my sister was a teenager she heard the story of how Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, and yet died as a thief by crucifixion. Why did he endure such injustice? The reason, she heard, was because he loved her. He loved all humanity. His death was (and is) the admission ticket to heaven, the place of perfect love and purity. Being aware of her imperfections and lack of purity, she accepted Jesus’s gift to her. She trusted herself to him and became his joyful follower. She shared this good news with me and I, too, became his follower.
My sister did not fear death. Because Jesus rose from the grave, she knew she would too. Someday that will happen. Meanwhile, I believe her spirit is with him, as he was in her earthly life. She loved to tell others about him.
It was (and I’m sure still is) her desire for everyone to know his wonderful love. If you are not acquainted with him, you can find out what he’s like by reading the stories written about him when he was on earth. These are recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, found in the Bible.
For decades of life, my sister and I shared a common bond of faith in Jesus. It was as I wrote the lines of the following poem, that he gave me the grace to release her into His loving arms.
Sister, you are going home Your earthly race is almost over I can hear the angels singing I can see one at your shoulder We were together in the womb I was the one who came out first Now it seems, my closest kin, Our birth order’s been reversed Though my eyes are filled with tears In my heart there is a smile Because of Jesus’ precious promise I will be with you after awhile. Together, we will bow and worship Together, praise our risen King I rejoice in that knowledge Death has truly lost its sting. I will focus on the joy before you— No more suffering, no more pain Reunion with your precious husband— How could I beg you to remain? Go my sister with my blessing Do not linger here too long Know when Jesus calls your name That your work on earth is done Sister, you are going home Your earthly race is almost over I can hear the angels singing I can see one at your shoulder 6/11/2020 Jane Ault
28 responses to “Finding Comfort in the Midst of Loss”
Thank you Jane so much for sharing your heart and your sister’s beautiful life story with us. Your poem is so moving. You have a gift. Love you so much and praying for you❤️
Thank you so much, Crystal. I greatly appreciate your love, prayers, and encouragement to write.
Heavenly Father, help us to entrust our loved ones to your care. Though sorrow darkens our lives, help us to look up to you, remembering the cloud of witnesses by which we are surrounded. And grant that we on earth, rejoicing ever in your presence, may share with them the rest and peace which your presence gives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Book of Common Prayer]
Amen and Amen. Thank you for sharing this beautiful prayer, Jane Schoen.
What a sweet and comforting poem you shared here, Jane! I feel your heart …so tenderfully letting your sister go! <3 What a blessing to have shared so much…especially both of you coming to know Jesus as Lord and Savior! God has gofted you both with each other as encouragers and twin sister. he hs called your sweet sister home, and one day will call you also. What a delight that will be to have perfection once again with Jesus in His embrace! Love you, Jane, and appreciate your great writings. Never stop! <3 You bless so many! <3
Thank you for your kind and affirming words, Corinne. Yes, it will be a delight when perfection arrives (Jesus comes). I want to be as faithful in my calling as my sister was to her calling. This will honor her, as well as Jesus. Yes. I will keep writing. In faith, trust the Spirit to give me words.
Jane, what an incredibly beautiful tribute to your sister and her faith in Jesus. I could almost see you and your sister as little girls playing the game of hide-and-seek! It’s my privilege to know you and see how you live out your faith in Christ. Thank you for your witness—may God continue to shower you with His grave, love, and peace.
Dear Laurell, thank you so much for reaching out to me with words of love and encouragement. It’s my joy and privilege to have you as a sister, because of our common faith in Jesus. Often, you have encouraged me by your example of courageous faith, expressed in words and actions.
Jane, I rejoice and sorrow with you in this bittersweet loss for wand freedom for your sister. Thank you for sharing your faith with us in this most precious moment, as a twin believer who has accepted God’s call to give rest to your sister. May we all learn to let go of our loved ones with the same Grace you have shown until we meet our loved ones again on the heavenly realm.
Wanda, I truly appreciate your words of encouragement and affirmation. It is certainly God’s grace that brought me to the place where I could “let go” of my sister. God patiently and gently instructed me and comforted me along the way.
This was the most eloquent and touching act of love I have ever read. Your words contain beauty from above!! Alleluia, she’s with Jesus!
Thank you, Diane. I deeply appreciate your kind words. Apart from the help of the Holy Spirit, I would not be eloquent at this time. He is with me and continually sustains me, as I process this grief. My sister is with Jesus. Alleluia! And I have the hope of someday joining her. Alleluia.
So sorry for type loss Jane. … but shop pleased you km know Jesus and your sister had such a beautiful relationship with him too.
May you feel comforted by his presence now. …
Thank you so much, Margaret, for your words of sympathy. I appreciate them and am feeling comforted by Jesus’s presence.
oh, dear Jane! I read this with tears. I’m so sorry for your great loss. This poem of both praise and release is poignant. I send you my love and hugs from afar.
Thank you, dear Jean, I receive your love and hugs with gratitude. The Spirit continues to renew me as I listen to Jesus.
What a beautiful tribute to your sister. She’s resting peacefully now with her creator, where there’s neither pain nor sorrow!!
Glad I had a chance to meet her on one of her visits to your place. May her soul rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May He grant you His peace which passes any human comprehension. It is well with your soul.❤️
Dear Esther, How sweet to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words of sympathy, as well as your prayers. I am feeling God’s comfort. My sister only visited me once in all the years I lived up north. I’m so glad it was when you were my neighbor. She was delighted to meet you.
Dear Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. My best friend is a twin, and she has taught me much about that special bond. You mentioned ‘hide and seek’ and I think that’s a wonderful picture. She is now hidden in glory and, as David said, she cannot come to you, but you will go to her. I am sure she will visit your dreams as you recall all the wonderfulness of life together. May you receive all the comfort you need as you grieve. God bless you, embrace you, and cause His face to shine upon you, and bring you peace.
Dear Marjie, I love the words you used to describe my sister. She is “hidden in glory”! That image gives me great comfort. Thank you for caring and praying and responding to my post.
So sorry for your loss Jane, and so glad for her gain….praying God will comfort you with many joyful memories and moments….hugs….Diane
Thank you for your loving sympathy and prayers, Diane. The Lord is comforting me.
Oh Jane, I feel for you in the loss of your sister and that special bond between twins. How beautifully you expressed the very mixed emotions of grief and loss with comfort and peace. How wonderful that God has called you both to Himself, and that you will be together again one day. May the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, comfort you this day❤️
I know you understand, Donna. Thank you so much for your words of sympathy, encouragement, and love. I am feeling supported.
Oh, Jane…Your poem is beautiful. My deepest sympathy to you during this time. What a beautiful testament to your sister, your shared love for Jesus, and for each other.
Thank you for your sympathy and words of encouragement, Janet.
Jane I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was recently thinking of you and your twin. The poem was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. You are a gifted writer and thank you for always sharing your heart. Your words have helped me. Your sister was blessed to have you and you were equally blessed to have her.
Thank you for your prayers and loving thoughts, Rose. I appreciate your encouragement and affirmation of me as a writer. Yes, God blessed me in giving me a twin sister who loved me as well as him.