In Loving Memory: 19 Bright Lights

“Shhhhhh, now,” she whispered gently. “Remember that we are patient with each other and kind to each other so that …?”

“We’re strong together,” they answered (almost in unison), although they were frightened.

“That’s right,” she said tenderly, reaching out her hand. “We make a chain and we hold onto each other, okay? We’re here for each other the whole way.”

“Are you coming, too?” someone asked the one at the back.

“Absolutely,” she responded (with no hesitation).

The angels mourned them as they arrived (the gates opening), careful not to let them see. And the teachers did what they had always done: led the young ones in song, almost marching, pointing to amazing things just off of the path and beautiful shapes in the sky.