my older sister's poem

My Uncle Dale is going to pass away literally any minute now. I don't really feel like writing about it or anything like that, because yesterday and today have been incredibly stressful. A dear, sweet lady from my church passed away yesterday in a car accident. She leaves behind a husband and 3 daughters, the youngest age 6. So keep the Eberly family in your prayers. And keep my family in your prayers as well. The only thing I want to share is the poem my older sister wrote about the journey the past year and a half of my family and Uncle Dale. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read.

It was a long, difficult journey, but You were there

You were there, when the burden seemed too much to bear

You were there in the times of laughter, and the times of tears

You were there in the times of peace, and the times of fears

You were there in the moments so sweet

You were there in the moments it felt like defeat

You were there in the hopeful rays of the daylight

You were there in the solemn quiet of the darkness of night

You were there in the moments of pain no one else could understand

You were there, upholding, with Your righteous right hand

Surely, You were there, raining down Your mercy and grace

Surely You were there, sending Your angels to that place

You were there, even when we could not see You

You were there, Your heart was breaking too

You were there, hearing each prayer that was prayed

Through it all, You were there, You always stayed

The journey was difficult and long,,

But we we did not walk it alone, for You came along

And now, he has made it home, to that Glorious Place,

Where he sees You, face to face

He is fully healed, fully whole

Completley restored, both body and soul

He sings in the heavenly choir

Singing to the One who is higher

With the Heavenly Host he now plays his horn

In the place where worship was first born

His heart is filled with joy and delight

He is in the place where there is no more sickness, no more night

He has fought the good fight, he has won the race

Now forever he will be with his King, face to face

You were there through the journey, but You are still here

Grieving with those who grieve the loss of someone so dear

We rejoice, because he can now look upon Your face

But still, we miss him, here in this place

But You are faithful, You are true

We don't understand, but our eyes are fixed on You

In the midst of the storm You hold our hand

And You give us a firm place on which to stand

And now, You are in Heaven, but also here

Collecting Your children's tears

And giving us hope for the day

Because though You are there, You are also here to stay

We grieve, but we do not despair 

Because we know death couldn't hold You there

And hallelujah, we have much to gain

 One day we will see him again, where forever You will reign

Because, hallelujah, our souls You save

Because You triumphed over the grave!