Tears here; rockin' shows in heaven

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Well, there it is. The third celebrity death in quick succession. Heavy, heavy sigh. No one can deny 2016 has been a year of tremendous loss in the entertainment/sports world. Beginning with David Bowie, Glenn Frey and Alan Rickman...to Prince to Patty Duke...to Gene Wilder to Alan Thicke...to Arnold Palmer to Mohammed Ali; even Nancy Reagan and poor, sweet Sister Angelica died this year. Lest we forget true hero John Glenn. And now, hopefully the final three of 2016: singer George Michael, actress/author Carrie Fisher...and one day later her legendary actress/singer/dancer Mom, Debbie Reynolds. Hard gulp.

It's hard imagining a world without Princess Leia for a Star Wars-crazed child of the '80s like me. Ditto Prince and George Michael, both of whom I adored as a teen. The truth is, a whole lot of people passed this year; not just these (and the hoarde of other) celebrities. And in honor and acknowledgement of all who have been lost: a note of hope from Prince himself: "...I'm here to tell you, there's something else; the after world. A world of neverending happiness; where you can always see the sun - day and night..."

I believe. And right about now, it would seem heaven's got some top-notch shows performing. I know it's difficult for us to wrap our heads around a place that lasts forever, but it's like George Michael sang: "Ya gotta have faith." I know the true tale of Christmas and what it means for us all ... I'm keepin' the faith and hoping I get to catch these shows sometime myself.


Simeon said, "...​my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”