Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Does Jane have a garden in heaven?...

I'm remembering my friend, Jane.

Although she lived clear across the country from me, our hearts bonded many years ago when she and her husband visited us in Dallas. She had recently lost her son to suicide.

I said 'Jane... God understands. He lost His son too, for you and me.'...

She repeated the words as the tears ran down her face...

All through the following years, our relationship was by phone, many times, and at sometimes at great length...

My friend Jane lived with pain, surgeries, and a dying body, for about 10 years. She was released from her body in mid April, and she is at home with the Lord.

Jane had more physical problems than almost anyone I have ever met. They began late in her life, and they robbed her of much of the day to day living that I take for granted.

One of the things she lost and grieved over the most, was the joy of being out in her garden and planting flowers and enjoying the beauty around her.

When she died, I went and got new pots for our front porch, and the prettiest flowers and greenery I could find, and I planted them in honor of Jane. I know she would have understood and loved that. I made these pictures into a card we sent to her hubby, who cared for her so beautifully... along with a pair of lavender garden gloves with orange flowers.


Does Jane have a garden in heaven? I don't know that for sure, but in my heart I believe she does! ..."Eye has not seen nor ear heard the things that God has prepared for those who love Him".

The God who created the beauty of our world, most surely has saved the best for last, and I can just picture Jane happily planting flowers the likes of which I can only imagine!





21 comments:

Cindy said...

What a beautiful tribute to your friend. I've been remembering two of my friends too so I know how bittersweet it is.

Debbie said...

The God who created the beauty of our world, most surely has saved the best for last...

That was such a beautiful way to put it. I loved that, and I hope that Jane does have a garden in Heaven. I know one thing, though, if she doesn't, she doesn't miss it because of what she does get to see.

Debbie said...

And I'm sorry you lost a friend.

Rita said...

Sonja, what a lovely tribute to a wonderful friend. Friendship can be maintained long distance and what a wonderful memory for you to have of all the long conversations you two had together. That was a beautiful thing to do in honor of her. May you be comforted through this.

BARBIE said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. And I too am believing that Jane has a garden in heaven!

Debra said...

A truly lovely tribute to your friend.So sorry you have a lost a friend. May the Lord comfort you and give you His peace.

Felisol said...

Dear Sonja,
I am sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful way to honor and remember a dear friend.
I feel sure that there is a wonder of a garden in heaven where "the lions and the lambs are grassing friendly together".
And where there is no parting anymore.
That's what the Norwegians have been singing about for more than a century in the spring psalm I posted last week.
" Oh spring with bright days,
with longing, life and song,
you predicts that God will make us a better spring once.

Then we with lifted tongues,
with love whole and clear,
without faults and scares
shall praise our Lord so dear."
From Felisol

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

So sorry for your loss....what you did in memory is wonderful. Just having something they loved helps our hearts to also deal with the loss.

A new heaven and new earth...when He returns for us all.

Farm Girl said...

I am glad she is home now. I bet there is a lovely garden. When the world was perfect God planted a garden, and when our salvation was being fought for, it was in a garden, so I think there will be a beautiful garden for your friend Jane to work in and she won't ever be in pain is this mortal body again. Just think when Jesus rose from the dead, Mary thought he was the gardener. I thought about gardens in the Bible, last night after I read this.
My computer wouldn't let me comment until this morning.

Saleslady371 said...

I bet Jane's husband is encouraged! What a thoughtful thing to do, Sonja. I'm glad you shared this story with us. I think Jane would want all of us to slow down and enjoy the beauty around us.

Just Be Real said...

I love this Sonja. What a nice gesture. Blessings.

Sandy said...

Yes, I believe your dear friend does,
and the flowers there are more lovely
than any we can ever imagine. I am
so sorry for your loss.
Hugs~

Kathleen said...

I absolutely believe there are gardens in heaven. If Jesus is preparing a banquet table for His bride, then certainly we'll be eating the finest fare. I would imagine the floral decorations will put those of the recent Royal Wedding to shame. Someone's gotta be tending those blooms!

I love your tribute to Jane. So like you, Sonja!

Love your heart,
Kathleen

Deborah Ann said...

Jane was blessed to have a friend like you. I'm sure she's smiling down on you...

Crown of Beauty said...

Sonja,
This post is so special. What a thoughtful thing to do - to have potted plants with beautiful flowers to remind you of a dear friend's beautiful life.

She surely must have a garden in heaven.

I do love what you wrote here. SOmetimes, the beauty of someone's life cannot be expressed in words, but the flowers you keep are a tangible expression of her heart.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us.

Love
Lidj

myletterstoemily said...

what a beautiful gesture of love! i can only imagine what
the gardens in heaven are like, if the first thing He created
on earth was a garden.

i am praying for His consolation to soothe your aching
heart.

Anonymous said...

Adam and Eve had a pretty nice garden until the serpent messed things up. I think your friend Jane is now enjoying the most beautiful garden in the universe! :-)

Sharon said...

This was so very touching. I can't wait to meet Jane someday!

I have to believe that what God has in store for us is so much better than anything we can think or imagine. And surely, the one thing we cannot imagine is what it will be like to live in His very Presence!

I think Jane is gardening for sure. And you ought to see her roses!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day, Sonja! And as always, GOD BLESS!

Crown of Beauty said...

stopping by to greet you a Happy Mother's Day, Sonja.

Love
Lidj

Debbie said...

Oh I believe there are WONDERFUL gardens in heaven, more beautiful then we can even imagine! What a wonderful tribute to your friend. I love that you did this. I am sorry for your pain, but rejoicing for your friend!

Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

BLESSINGS, Debbie

Debbie Petras said...

What a beautiful tribute to your friend Jane. Somehow I'm not surprised by your thoughtfulness. I just knew you were like that Sonja! I'm so glad to be able to call you friend and sister.

Love you,
Debbie

PS And yes, I believe there are the most gorgeous gardens in heaven.