"it's hard to let you go" Raymond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbPKaIozS-c

a chapter of your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always

'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them

Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands

And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in

The first chapter, actually the first paragraph of the preface, of Raymond's life is through. But now he begins the great adventure of the actual book of his life in God's presence! The word "forever" has a different meaning for us now, a stronger one -- eternity -- forever.

"It's hard to let you go." It really is. But we know that you're "in the Father's hands," Raymond!

The joy Raymond now lives in is something we cannot even imagine. The greatest joys here on earth are only a shadow of that true joy which awaits us.

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)