Cry a river of tears, if it helps you, to mourn my loss today. But tomorrow, rejoice! For I am on my way to live with Christ forever in God’s mansion up above. Cry a river of tears, for joy! For I live in my Father’s love.

I am gone, but not forgotten - my spirit lives in you. You’re always in my thoughts and prayers, whatever you may do. Think of me from time to time, but with a happy face. For it’s lovely here in heaven, and I’m saving you a place.

Cry a river of tears ...

I will miss you all, my faith-filled friends. You were with me ‘til the end. But do not mourn my earthly loss; my new life has begun. And as for my wife and family, I know God will provide. But look out for them, and pray for them, ‘til they are at my side.

Cry a river of tears, if it helps you, to mourn my loss today. But tomorrow, rejoice! For I am on my way to live with Christ forever in God’s mansion up above. Cry a river of tears, for joy! For I live in my Father’s love.

I live by the grace of God ... in my Father’s love.

    Our dear friend, Jeff Kondrad, died suddenly at a young age, leaving a young wife and two young children behind. It was a devastating event for Jeff’s family and friends - an event that touched our entire parish community.

    One of Jeff’s best friends was Bob Kusky. I witnessed the overwhelming grief one experiences when a close friend dies - I saw it in the eyes of Jeff’s friend, Bob. A couple of days before Jeff’s funeral, I wrote this song. The day of the funeral I slipped a copy to Bob and told him to look at it later when the time was right.

    In this song, I tried to capture the feelings that I knew Jeff might have if he were to write the same song to his wife, his children and his friends. You see, Jeff had an incredible faith in Christ. He lived his life in joy and love and knew that God’s heavenly home would be even more wonderful than the one he created on earth with his family.

    Jeff, you are missed, but not forgotten. Thank you for sharing your spirit of faith with so many of us!