Roni Goes to Heaven

Our friend Roni passed away the other day. I got to know her over the phone and only met her in person last year, but for years we chatted as if we had always known each other. Roni was easy to know. Fun, sharp and faithful to her friends and to her church, she was always encouraging knowing that God would sort everything out.

Roni Goes to Heaven

Roni’s in heaven where she started from.
Finished her time here. God called her home.
I knew her as my wife Kathy’s best friend.
They’d talk on the phone for hours on end.

Every few days or so Roni’d phone in
and ask how me, Kathy and the dogs had all been.
I didn’t really know much about Roni’s life.
Didn’t think she had anyone. Wasn’t anyone’s wife.

I don’t know how they met. What was their circumstance.
Through family or friends. Maybe just by chance.
I think they met years ago somewhere back east.
The more that they talked the more their friendship increased.

Roni always greeted me over the phone.
And she genuinely cared. I could tell by her tone.
Something about her voice gave me such cheer.
And Kathy? She made Kathy grin ear to ear.

They talked about how things were going back home.
The weather. The people. Who’s still there. Who was gone.
Roni included me in their conversations
and last year we met while we were on vacation.

Roni looked just the way I thought that she would.
Tall, dark and pretty like a great tree she stood.
Greeted me with a hug and a great big old smile.
If I were to describe her, I’d say that she had style.

She opened her home to us and she let us stay
but now and again she would call me Ray.
Confused me with someone else, but I didn’t mind.
‘Cause Roni was wise and funny and kind.

I helped her with a few things. Did some chores here and there.
We worried at her trouble walking up and down stairs.
Roni’s health was declining so we offered our home.
She could come live with us so she wouldn’t be alone.

But this was her life and she didn’t want to be
any trouble to anyone. She’d be fine. We would see.
So when we left her were somewhat concerned.
but her independence was something that she had earned.

As the months passed Roni’s calls became fewer.
There were stories of doctors and what they did for her.
A church going woman, she had faith in her God.
That His will would be done through her no matter what.

She talked about life every time that she phoned.
How she was giving away everything that she owned.
She gave to her church, to her family and friends
preparing for the day when her life would soon end.

A call came to us very early one morning
To tell us that Roni had passed without warning.
No longer in pain. No longer in sorrow.
Now living and loving in that long tomorrow.

When somebody passes, we always say
that they’re happier now. In a much better place.
That place is heaven. We lift Roni in prayer.
See, heaven’s a better place because Roni is there.