A Bittersweet Luncheon

By Yvonne Ortega

“I want to treat you to lunch, if you’ll permit me to do so,” my friend Heather said in a text to me. “Anywhere you want to go.”

Why would I let her treat me? It wasn’t my birthday or a special event. “I’ll be happy to eat lunch with you, but you don’t have to treat me,” I said. “How about the Thai place?”

“That sounds great,” she said. “I’ll pick you up about 12:45 pm. I hope that’s not too late for lunch.”

“No, that works for me,” I said. “I have errands to take care of in the morning.”

The Reason the Luncheon Was Bittersweet

“My husband’s orders came through. We will move as soon as a truck is available to pack our household goods.” She paused to catch her breath. “Our oldest daughter moved there already to start college, and she misses us. My dad and the extended family members can hardly wait for us to get there.”

I knew the move was coming but not how soon. Tears moistened my eyes. As military friends, unless the family retires in the area, sooner or later, the military will transfer that family. “Since your mom passed away on Easter Sunday, your dad must miss you a lot too,” I said.

Heather nodded. “Bittersweet indeed,” she said. “My cousins can hardly wait to tell me all their funny stories of things my mother did growing up.”

We laughed at the thought of her mother being a kid and doing some of the silly things kids do.

“By the way, Heather, one of my speaker/writer friends lives in Ohio,” I said. “Once you’re settled, and the warmer weather returns, I would love to visit you and my other friend. That would be a great reunion for us and a precious new friend for you.”

We smiled as we thought of that possibility.

Heather and I ordered the same meal and enjoyed the delicious food, the calm environment, and the excellent service. She and I agreed that we would get together once more if only briefly before she leaves for Ohio.

The Best Reunion Ever

As I thought of the bittersweet luncheon, one mutual friend of ours texted me that her husband is also from Ohio, and they have lots of family and friends there. Another mutual friend texted me that she thought it would be a good idea for me to travel to Ohio and see Heather and my other friend.

As I reflected on the bittersweet luncheon and the texts from my friends, my mind turned to the best reunion ever: the one in heaven. Heaven is our eternal home. That means no more death, grief, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4 CSB). Heather would see her mother again and other relatives she’d lost. I would also see my loved ones, who no longer live here on earth with me.

Internal Link 

Thank Our Mothers or Mentors 

External Link

https://carolkent.org/the-truth-about-tears/

Next Step

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Prayer

God, the thought of no more tears, no more grief, and no more death lightens my heart. Heaven will not be a bittersweet reunion. It will be a forever celebration. Thank you. Amen.

Copyright by Yvonne Ortega September 4, 2024.