| Born
June 23, 1918 -- a child of the “Roaring Twenties”
-- a teenager of the “Great Depression”
-- when the simple things had such great value -- when
her new dress was the old one her sister could no longer
wear -- when a homemade doll became a cherished Christmas
gift -- when sacrifice and giving were great values
--
A time when history would call the class of 1936 --
“The Greatest Generation” -- one that would
sacrifice their lives -- saving a country and a world.
It is the legacy of values that has molded my life and
from these simple but profound beginnings my parents
have become immortalized in me.
Yes, they now both have entered that heavenly abode
where immortality of spirit awaits “that shout
from heaven -- that trump of God “ to physically
arise once again immortalized forever in a land that
needs no sun for the brightness of His presence will
illuminate a universe.
But in another sense they both remain in the lives and
character of their children and grandchildren.
Today, we experience the sorrow of loss, the smiles
of happy memories, but also the inspirational hope of
a glorious future.
As I stood by her bed for the last time late Monday
evening, I began quoting from Psalm 23 -- ”...Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil -- for Thou art with me. Thy rod
and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table
before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest
my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
The Valley
(This was written on June 18, 2003 -- Nancy would have
six hours of risky surgery the next day -- June 19,
2003 -- three years to the day before my mother would
go to be with the Lord -- June 19, 2006)
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I can't see the sun today because it has dipped behind the
mountain -- Death Mountain. The shadows from the mountain
are creeping across the valley that I must walk through.
Already I sense danger all around me for the beasts of
the night are awakening. I have heard the first throaty
grumble from a distant lion. There it is again -- a threatening
roar -- and it is creeping closer. The gentle summer breeze
has changed into a cold, evening chill. The lion roars
again -- “for Satan goes about as a roaring lion
seeking whom he may devour.” I feel alone.
But I am not alone. In the dimness I see Him. Before me
walks the Good Shepherd. His rod and staff bring me so
much comfort for I know that whatever danger lurks ahead,
He will protect me.
And behind me, I sense they are there, for surely Goodness
and Mercy are following me.
And though the darkness of the night envelopes me, I know
the sun will rise again and a new day awaits me.
I am strong and of good courage for the Lord is with me.
The joy of the Lord is my strength. His everlasting arms
of love hold me in my moments of uncertainty. He gives
me a peace that passes all understanding.
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand."
"All things work together for good to them that love
God; to them that are called according to His purpose."
I love you, mom and love is forever -- I WILL see you
again --
We WILL see you again --
Until that day -- Love -- Welly, Nancy, and Welly III |
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