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The Banquet. From Volume 2 - Essay #13 Written Monday, September 30, 2019 / Day 49 / Morning

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It was a fabulous banquet. Everyone was there. And what a location - elegant, uplifting - it was a joy to be in such a fabulous environment.

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There was celebrating - rejoicing.

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Even at the banquet, there were issues though. Nothing major - life is like that - problems for sure - but solutions as well.

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Enjoying such an occasion with friends and family - there could not be a more incredible time.

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And sharing it with the one you love more than anything else in the world - there are not words to describe such joy.

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In such an environment - even a fabulous banquet needs attention - reminding us of all that it represents. We embraced the moment - it was special beyond words.

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The banquet continued longer than anyone could envision.

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But for you - on that fateful day - you had to leave the banquet.

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Leave the banquet and all that it meant to you.

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You were right in the middle of a meal.

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A sumptuous meal.

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One that was outstanding in every way.

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But then you had to go.

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Actually, they came to inform you that you had to leave.

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You saw them in the room - those who came for you - but gave it no mind - you thought - they weren’t there for you.

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But they were.

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And in the middle of that incredible meal, in that wonderful environment - you had to leave.

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Right in the very heart of it.

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Taken to a new location.

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A location that was not a banquet at all.

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Certainly it was adequate.

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Surveying the scene - it was just what you needed.

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There were elements of the banquet there - but nothing as magnificent.

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Nothing as grand.

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Yet in this new place were all the elements you needed.

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But the crowd was gone.

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The melodic and soothing music was not present.

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There was just silence.

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And emptiness all around you.

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And the one you love? They were not asked to leave. They had to stay. You had to leave.

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But you were right in the middle of the meal. You didn’t even finish what you had in front of you.

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And now, while your needs were totally being met - there was not your love with you to share it.

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You were alone.

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A knock on the door. A friend to inquire about how you are doing.

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Wondering why you weren’t celebrating? And asking when you would resume.

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You try to tell them - you had to leave the banquet. Right in the middle of it.

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But they struggle to understand. They were not interrupted.

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They are not alone.

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But you are.

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They leave - and there you are.

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Longing for the banquet that you never finished. The love that was there that is now only in your heart and memory.

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A lonely, sad place.

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A place where you will have to find your way - with God’s help.

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And find your way you will.

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When it’s your time.

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You will always miss where you were - but will embrace the new world at some point. You will always miss where you were - but will embrace the new world at some point.

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Just not today.

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The banquet is still too fresh in your mind - and in your heart.

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Yet the future will be there when you are ready. Only God knows when that will be.

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And you trust in that as you mourn.

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And cry.

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Grief is like that.

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Visit Facing Grief - The Essays at: EssaysonGrief.org From Facing Grief - The Essays - Volume 2 - Essay #13

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2020 Facing Grief