What I Imagine Your First Day of Heaven Was Like

For my Aunt Liz - Gone too soon.

I IMAGINE

Heaven looks different for everyone.

I IMAGINE

It's full of warmth and sunshine. Maybe with beaches for some and mountains for others.

I IMAGINE

It has endless possibilities of what one can do there.

I IMAGINE

The first day in heaven is the strangest.

FOR YOU, I IMAGINE

The first day was eventful.

I IMAGINE

You were emotional. What is heaven like? A question that can only be answered in death, is finally yours to know. Tell me, was the journey slow?

I IMAGINE

You cussed. A lot. No doubt looking at how beautiful everything was in complete shock. From bright sunlight to endless clouds, maybe even a meadow or two. How crazy it must have been to realize you were there. Though you going so early still doesn't seem fair.

I IMAGINE

Your mom and dad were there to greet you. The two people who you met first in life are the first to meet you at the gates in the afterlife. They had waited so long to see you, and you them, and now you have finally met again.

I IMAGINE

They walked with you up those stairs or across that bridge, telling you not to fear what you would see, but to let your soul guide you freely.

I IMAGINE

You asked about God and if he was real. Another question only answered in death, something once again you now know, I wonder how that feels?

I IMAGINE (AND CAN ONLY ASSUME)

You found a bar and I doubt you had to travel very far. You just found out heaven is real and that eternal peace is finally yours; no one blames you for needing a beer to let that sink in, or maybe even four.

AND I IMAGINE

It was the perfect beer. I bet you cracked it open and thought to yourself, "this has never tasted better" as you gave a loud cheer.

I IMAGINE

Even after a few beers, you felt healthier than you ever did on earth. Maybe in heaven we truly do experience a rebirth.

THEN I IMAGINE

You danced and laughed until you fell over, hopefully landing among the stars. However your time in heaven will be, I know it will be a party for all of eternity.

I ALSO IMAGINE

You saw all the places you've ever wanted to see, right at your feet. No longer needing to catch a plane or drive a car to get where you want to be.

I IMAGINE

You eventually stopped. For just a moment. Your hands reminding you of what you have dropped.

I IMAGINE

You finally saw them. Your daughters, your grandchildren, your brothers, and sister, your nieces and nephews, and of course your friends.

I IMAGINE

You felt their tears. Looked down upon the shattered pieces of your daughters, listening to their quiet fears. While you had found peace, they had found you, in a deep sleep. Can you hear them now? Can you hear all of us, as we continue to weep?

I CAN IMAGINE

Your heaven went from a bright sight to a dim spotlight. I don't know if time exists in heaven, but for us down here, it had stopped completely that night.

I IMAGINE

It's hard to be on the other side. Reaching out, but unable to grab your siblings' hands as they cried.

I IMAGINE

Your first day in heaven was emotional. From finally having peace at your fingertips to realizing your grandchildren will never feel another kiss from your lips.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Outside of what you left behind, heaven has everything you need to survive. And don't be afraid to look down please, because your family is together where we are supposed to be, something you always loved to see.

HERE IS TO IMAGINING

What only you now know about heaven. And even though you can't answer me, please can you find a way to tell me, did I imagine it for you correctly?