Aunt Niecie

(Appropriately pronounce: Aint NeeSee)

She had a rough life. The fourth of five children born to my grandparents.
She was about 13 when I was born, and lots of fun to be around. She loved to sing. She was a phenominal artist.
She was raped. Her life changed.
She married an abusive man who abused her and her daughter. She came out of that marriage wounded, yet somehow stronger.
She met a man who loved her more than life. She thought it strange, the way he loved her. He reminded her of her father. A harsh man, but gentle towards her. He loved her.
They married, and shortly after their consumation was born another daughter.
She was happy. She was strong. God had given her joy for her sorrow. He had brought new life out of despair.

A few months ago, Aunt Niecie got sick. She went into the hospital with heart failure.
How could this be? She's not even 45 yet. So young, with her baby not even in her teens.
Her stay in the hospital was longer than expected. She's young, she'll make it. She's hard-headed and strong willed, she wants to live, she'll make it.

At 2:09 AM, I received the phone call. I didn't answer right away, but got up to see who had called. I saw it was Mom, and called immediately, fearing something had happened to Dad.
On the other end, Mom said, "Katy's dead."

It seems so unreal. So young. How can this be? I pray, "God, let me know if she's with You, I don't know. Tell me something so I can be sure."
And to my heart, comes this song:

I come to the garden alone
while the dew is still on the roses.
and the voice I hear falling on my ear
the Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

There has never been anyone in my life that I've known to need to be in Jesus' arms tonight than Aunt Niecie. I feel confident that she is in His arms. Singing. Laughing. Dancing.

God, I pray you comfort her children. Give them strength. Hold them. I pray her husband find peace in You and make You his shelter. Lord, give me the strength to hold them when they need to cry, or talk. Help me make this journey lighter, their burden easier, their way clearer.

God grant mercy tonight as they sleep. Give sweet dreams to the one so young, too young to lose her mother. Hold the oldest in Your arms, give her soft places to fall. Cover them with Your wings.

Thank you for holding Aunt Niecie tonight. Soften our grief with Your love.