More From Leland P. Gamson

The saying, “I have been so busy since I retired that I don’t know how I ever had time to work,” rings true for me. In the last year, I have become a Certified Methodist Lay Minister, published my eleventh children’s book, The Pony Who Wanted To Be A Unicorn, and have written Christian lyrics for beautiful old melodies such as “Plaisir d’amour.” Last month I delivered a sermon entitled, “Puppies in Paradise, or Are There Animals in Heaven?” (The answer, based on scripture, is “yes.”)

Two weeks ago, my brother-in-law and brother in Christ, Rocky, died of COVID-19. We were afraid how our 100-year-old mother would react to a favorite son-in-law dying suddenly at the age of 68. To my surprise, she took it well, saying, “These things happen in this world.” My sister-in-law, Gwen, pointed out that at 100, she is keenly aware of death. She is also keenly aware that Jesus promised his disciples that we will live with him, in Paradise, forever.