Another of my church friends climbed the stairway to heaven yesterday, leaving behind happy memories in the wake of grief. Joanne’s husband, daughters, family and friends will miss her smiling face and gentle ways for a long time to come but will take comfort in knowing that she will be as loved in heaven as she was here on earth.

Dying has to be one of life’s most grievous tasks, and yet, as we all know, it is inevitable.

May we all take consolation in knowing that this dear lady faced the end of life as she had always faced life itself, with grace, dignity and love.