"How could it be any better than this?"

It was three months ago yesterday that Rachel D. and Gloria were called heavenward. I used to think about it with every breath, every gust of wind that hit my face, every morning that I woke up and realized all over again that the room next door was empty. Now when I remember, I remember in bits and pieces. In the strange and not-so-strange details of everyday life. Everytime I'm exhausted at the end of a day and my knees feel like Jell-O, I remember that moment of revelation when I fell into Rachel McG's arms and my legs nearly gave way. When I hear someone at church speak with passion about what God has done for them, I remember Rachel D's unswaying faith.


Rachel D. and I, August 2007

Last night as I was driving home I had my iPod on shuffle as usual. I can never decide what music I'm in the mood for so I let my iPod decide. As I wound my way through Fort Madison, I heard the low, familiar strains of a string section and Jason Wade's husky voice pleading: "Find me here, and speak to me. I want to feel you, I need to hear you. You are the light that's leading me to the place where I find peace again."

Gloria's roommate put together a slideshow of photos for a candlelight memorial held in the Prayer Garden, and the song she used was "Everything" by Lifehouse. I've always loved "Everything" but it took on a whole new meaning after losing the girls. The lyrics totally reflect how Gloria and Rachel D. lived their lives, and anyone who's ever heard the song knows it has a stirring quality...

find me here
and speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
you are the light
that's leading me
to the place
where I find peace again

you are the strength
that keeps me walking
you are the hope
that keeps me trusting
you are the life
to my soul
you are my purpose
you're everything

and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this yeah

you calm the storms
and you give me rest
you hold me in your hands
you won't let me fall
you still my heart
and you take my breath away
would you take me in
take me deeper now

and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this

and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this

cause you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything

you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything

you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything

you're all I want
you're all I need
you're everything
everything

and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this

and how can I
stand here with you
and not be moved by you
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this
would you tell me
how could it be
any better than this

When I join Rachel D., Gloria and all those who have passed into eternity, perhaps I will find myself wondering, "And how can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you? Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?"