Still Sad

Willy found a chair at the back of the room and sank down onto it. He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed.He watched as people greeted one another, hugging and talking. His grandparents were up front, and everyone seemed to want to talk to them the most.Uncle Rob sat down beside him. "How are you doing, Willy?"Willy turned and looked at his uncle. His eyes were shiny. "I want to go home." He covered his mouth with a hand. "Is it bad to say that? I don't want to seem mean or immature, I just don't want to be here. I don't want another person to tell me Aunt Tricia is happier in heaven than she would be here."Uncle Rob nodded slowly. "I think most nine-year-old boys would rather be at home than at a gathering like this," he said. "And I understand what you're saying. We know that your aunt is happy with Jesus, but we also miss having her here with us. We wish she could have stuck around a little longer."Willy's eyes widened. His uncle knew what he was talking about and didn't think he was wrong for saying it. "I know heaven is a good place, but Aunt Tricia was happy here too."Uncle Rob rubbed the top of Willy's head. "Even though we know your aunt is happy with Jesus in heaven, it's okay to be sad. Death is a sad thing, and Jesus understands our need to mourn those we love. He cried when his friend Lazarus died, even though He knew that He was about to raise him from the dead. One day He will also raise Aunt Tricia and all Christians who have died from the dead, and we'll all live with Him forever and never be sad again! Until then, He promises to comfort us as we mourn and be with us when things are still sad."Uncle Rob got to his feet. "Let's go see if your parents are okay with us going outside for a bit. I think God wants to give us some comfort out in the fresh air."–Emily Acker