Rebeccah

we came as strangers and yet had always known

same eyes, same ears, same faith

love in an instant

we prayed and were granted

laughter which rang like church bells through corridors

tears which fell both in silence and in ragged gasps

meals that looked a lot like communion

drink that brought us back around to laughter

begin again

you held my heart in your hands

witnessed the ugliness and imperfections

watched the jealousy, envy, and utter lack of forgiveness

writhing in the dark night of the soul

yet you called it beautiful

carved out a space for yourself inside

and cherished me

home

you were home in big ways

acceptance     gratitude     unfailing love

and in ways which were small

soft voice    soft skin    soft place to land

 we are parted

no more laughter, tears, or meals

and I am shattered

you are gone

yet there is still communion

 I will mourn

your eyes

your ears

the softness that was you

 but I will cling to our faith

and the promise of the resurrection

and I will hold this heart-space for you

 until we meet again

Amen.