To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.  
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.  
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.  
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.  
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.  
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."  
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.  
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.  
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.  
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.  
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.  
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.  
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.  
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."  
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.  
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.  
When you're walking down the street and you've got Me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.  
And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to Me.

Bro. Small was my pastor for some 28 years. He baptized me as a small girl in the old auditorium of our church when I was 9 years old. There are so many wonderful memories that I have of Bro. Small. He first became my pastor, then he became my friend. Bro. Small saw me through some tough times such as the death of my grandfather, then grandfather, and also my father. He also saw me through very joyious times. Those included the marriage of my husband and I and also the birth of all 3 of my children, 2 of which he baptized. (He also baptized my husband)
The best memory I have of Bro. Small happened while we were on a church trip to New Braunfels to ride the rapids. Bro. Small talked my mother into letting me go one year when I was about 12. I wasn't really old enough to go without my parent(s) but Bro. Small decided to take responsibility for me and have me ride in the canoe with him and Mrs. Small. What safer place to be on a river in a canoe than with your pastor and Mrs. Small? (Who we all know has the most beautiful hairdo always!)
We saw many of our fellow church members take that dreaded spill into the freezing river water. But all the way to the end we stayed dry and in our canoe. At the takeout point Bro. Small got out of the canoe and handed off his camera equipment and other items that we carried down the river and proceeded to help Mrs. Small and myself out of the canoe. To do this, he put a hand on either side of the canoe and flipped us right over!!! I don't know who was more shocked, me or Mrs. Small but bless her heart, I don't think she ever said a cross word about it!
Bro. Small was a wonderful man and was always there with an encouraging word or a smile. The night before I received the news that he had passed away I had a dream. In that dream Bro. Small looked quite a bit older and his hair was white (he actually had quite alot of it in my dream). It was his first day back to the church after his illness and I walked up to him and told him that I wanted him to know that I had never seen a true life miracle until I saw him. He gave me one of those big 'ol grins and hugged me. I like to believe this was Bro. Small stopping by on his way to his new Home to tell me goodbye.
Bro. Small will truly be missed while we are here on this earth but we know that we only said goodbye for a little while.....we will see that grin again when we get Home.