Homecoming

Last night I flipped between 2 programs- the Pittsburg Steelers vs the AZ Cardinals and the Gatlin Gaither special. As I watched the Gaither special I was struck by how many of the folks I loved to hear sing were no longer with us. Then they did a shot of George Younce and my thoughts went a different direction.

I remember George Younce singing with the Blue Ridge Quartet and remember seeing his young family several times then. I remember a number of times over the years that Clara, the girls and/or George Lane would be at concerts I attended and what wonderful people they all were.

I remember in the early 70s attending local concerts where a group called the Oakland Qt performed, I got to be good friends with several members of the group and remember a young man who wanted to be a part of gospel music so much he cleaned the bus for the group so they would let him go and play the drums.

I remember that young man later joining the Nelons as drummer and when he met George Younce's daughter Dana. Robbie and Dana were such a special couple, both of them were loving, happy, friendly and always ready to help others.

When I was living in Atlanta, Robbie and Dana who had then married, were managing the Joyful Noise Supper Club and I was a regular, some nights as a guest and some nights as a volunteer. I was several years older than them but they never made you feel older or out of place, they were welcoming and loving.

Over the years I saw Robbie and Dana a many times and he always had that big smile when he'd hug me and say 'wow, it's good to see you!'. Dana would always make me feel like I was just who she was hoping to see even though I know in most cases we had no idea we would run into each other.

When I got an email Monday saying Dana had passed away I had to read it 3 times to understand who they were talking about. Not because it was confusing but because I couldn't believe it is who it said it was. It couldn't be sweet, loving Dana, she was so young, so happy, so beautiful and so in love! But it was.

When I heard that Robbie was on the road my heart broke, this news would be hard enough at home but to be away, not knowing the details and wondering what had happened, I wanted to reach out and wrap my arms around him. I couldn't though because he was up north and I was in South Carolina. But I know One whose peace and comfort was above all we could ever imagine and I prayed for that peace and comfort to wrap around him in a special way. I thought of Clara, it's hard to lose a spouse I'm sure but losing a child, no parent is ever prepared for that!

All this week I have grieved for the family, knowing they must miss her so much. Then last night I saw Dana's dad and so many of her friends on this special and my thoughts turned away from the grief and to the rejoicing going on in heaven.

I know that Dana and her dad were so excited to see each other. I can imagine them rejoicing and praising God together. And there were so many friends that were there to welcome her as well. But most importantly, I know Dana was thrilled to meet her Savior face to face and to be able to worship him with no human failings to hold back the praise!

So today as Robbie, Clara, Tara, Gina, Lisa and George Lane have greeted friends and shared their sorrow one with another, it is so exciting to know that on the other side, Dana is sharing her joy with those she loves as well. I wanted so much to go to the visitation and funeral but had obligations that kept me from going. But I'm thankful that my prayers from where I sit today can be felt just as those given by the people in attendance.

I'm sure that Dana's home going service will have joy and tears, wonderful memories and precious thoughts of her life mixed with sorrow that missing her will bring. I am just as sure that her homecoming in heaven has had joy and tears, wonderful memories and precious moments shared along with the glorious anticipation of seeing those left here again one day.

Please pray for Robbie (Willis) and all the Younce family as well as extended family and friends. They need God's comfort and strength during this time. And take a moment to hug those you love and let them know how much they mean to you! Doing that is NEVER something you will regret!