The Empty Chair

From: crystalkim@paradise.com

To: dad@notyethome.org

Subject:  “The Empty Chair”

Hi Dad and Mom,

It will soon be Thanksgiving down there.  I am planning to come again, so be sure to save me a seat at the Thanksgiving table.  I am also bringing a friend, so save another seat.

As you know, this will be the 11th Thanksgiving since I left home. I have been able to be back with you each year and also celebrate Thanksgiving here in my new home, too.

A lot has happened back there since I moved here and, though I have not been there in person, I have been there in spirit. I watched Robin and Jeff graduate from high school.  I know my college volleyball team was inducted into the college Hall of Fame. I know Robin will graduate from college in May.  I know Robin is now engaged to a wonderful young man.  Well, I could go on and on.

I’m sure the Thanksgiving dinner will be great, as always.  The one here is always fantastic; but I hear the big banquet being planned when we are all inducted into Heaven’s Hall of Fame is out of this world! Nobody would want to miss that!

Those two chairs you are saving for me and my friend may look empty on Thanksgiving; but I assure you, they won’t really be empty, for we will be there in spirit and precious memories. I know you all miss me and I miss you too.  For now we can only be with each other in spirit; but one day we can all be together again forever and ever!

Oh, by the way, Jesus will be coming with me again.  He said He wouldn’t miss it.

Remember what Jesus said: “There are many homes up here where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming.  When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am.”  John 14:3-4

Love, Crystal

Note:  Crystal (Allison) Kline (36) died from leukemia in 2005.