The sense of loss for all of us is so deep and large that it cannot be defined. My nieces have lost their father who was a man that loved them unconditionally. Although as children they may have experienced his "barking" at them for one misdeed or another; they also realized as adults his limitless love for them. It was a limitless love and support that were an integral part of the fabric of their lives.
When I was young...and there was a 13 year age difference...he was my hero. I am sure the age difference contributed to that worship for when I was three he was 16...when I was five, he was 18. He was someone I looked up too and tried to emulate (which at times got me into trouble with our parents). I was allowed to "hang out" with him and his friends and thereby grew a maturity well beyond my years.
Then we grew older and grew apart. He went his way. I went my way. Yet he was a "constant" in my life...I knew he would always be there.
Now today I know he is not "there" nor is he here...he has simply transitioned to the next level of this thing we call life in this universe we truly do not understand. I have yet to absorb the fact that my "constant"..the man that was and is my hero is no longer here.
Last night here on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, we experienced a beautiful sunset. A dear friend...commented that it was a symbolically beautiful sunset on what was the last day of Kenny's life on this earth. I had to agree with this beautiful thought well expressed.
...And I also realized in that moment that just as the sun was setting here on this coast...most assuredly somewhere in the world that very same sun was rising for a new morning and a new day. Yes, it was the sunset of Kenny's last day in this life...yet at the same time it was the sunrise of Kenny's new day in heaven.