Bitter Sweet

Bitter Sweet is what today has been.
That term "bitter sweet" has always seemed odd to me, how can something be bitter and sweet all at the same time. It seems to defy logic and understanding that you can have two very opposite things happening at the same time.
How did God create such elaborate emotions that you can fill the utmost joy and the utmost pain all at the same time? It seems like your heart can split right down the middle!
Death to me is bitter sweet...
You can't help feel bitter when you lose someone you love. You long to be able to pick up the phone and call them, but you can't.. You long to give them a warm embrace one last time and remember the smell and the moment, but you can't.. You long to look them in the eyes and let them know how much you love them, but you can't.. You long to hear them say in their individual accent and tone that they love you, but they can't..You long to hold their hand and be comforted by their touch, but you can't..
We take these moments for granted when our loved ones are alive and miss them so much when they are gone? They are not regrets just things that we long to continue to experience with the ones we love. We want to continue to make memories, continue to share stories, continue to love and be loved, but we can't - at least not here on earth. 
That is where the sweetness begins...
The sweetness is knowing they will never be in pain again, never.. Knowing they will never be sad or afraid again, never.. Knowing they will never grow old again, never.. Knowing they are reunited with the ones they love that went before them, for eternity.. Knowing that God has prepared a place for them, for eternity.. Knowing this is what they wanted more than anything - to see Jesus face to face, to live with Him, for eternity..
Knowing this is not our eternal home makes the sweetness out way the bitter. This life is just a blink of an eye compared to eternity.
Does knowing that make the sadness go away, no! We are sad because we want them here with us. Is that wrong, I don't believe so...  It is okay to be sad and to long for those moments, yet always looking and waiting for that day when we will be reunited in heaven.
June Irene Wooten, a wonderful grandma that I loved with all my heart went to be with The Lord on Monday.  I KNOW that was the greatest day of her life, and I know there was a big smile on her face. I will miss her until I see her again one glorious day.