Truths I've learned upon a loved one's passing

Following are truths I've either learned, or was reminded of, upon the recent passing of my mother:

• Time moves swiftly... make the most of it while you have some.
• You find out whether or not those you thought of as being close to you - really are.
• You experience the joy of discovering there are those closer to you than you had previously realized.
• Funeral arrangements are things best done well before a funeral.
• The social and cultural maturity, or immaturity, of young people (from teens through 20s) becomes cheerfully, or painfully, evident.
• Close family and friends are priceless.
• God is here.
• People are unique and, as such, respond to stress differently.
• Church family is so vitally important.
• A cemetery can be a place where fun occurs.
• Secular issues are just that... secular.
• Children are a blessing.
• Crying is good.
• Meals shared with those close are special.
• People fib.
• Christ followers have Hope, and it is real.
• Despite the reality of our Hope, some people refuse to accept it.
• A cemetery is not our final resting place.
• Arguments are okay, as long as love is not overshadowed.
• Missing someone is okay.
• Biblical Hope is not the same as secular wishing.
• You discover that some people are willing to make sacrifices for the people they love.
• We need to live believing that Heaven really exists.