As we think
of “Grandma”, we know it is a better day for her today. The phrase “Sure is a purty day!” keeps going
around in our minds….a phrase Grandma picked up from her 4 year old grandson,
Brian, as she walked with him down a dirt road next to her home, making dust. Sure is a purty day! We have heard that a lot from Grandma through
the years. We know what a joyous reunion
she is having with loved ones on the other side. We are sure that it is a “purty day” for her.
Yesterday,
around 6 pm Brazil time (1 pm Idaho time), a storm blew in. It was the worst thunderstorm we have yet
experienced here in Brazil, with strong winds that actually drove the rain in
through the cracks around the windows in our apartment, making puddles on the
floor. Shortly after, we lost power. It
was off for about 10 hours. As we have been glued to our “devices”,
anxiously awaiting word about Grandma, we acutely felt the loss of power. It was dark and we had no way to get word
about what was happening at home. We
couldn’t get our thoughts off of Grandma.
A hymn kept going around in our minds, “Lead Kindly Light, amid th’
encircling gloom…….the night is dark and I am far from home”.
Fortunately, Brian was able to get through to
us by phone to tell us of Grandma’s passing.
We feel like this world lost a little light when we lost Grandma. The
storm we experienced was kind of symbolic for us. She
will be greatly missed. But the light of
the gospel is brighter and stronger than any darkness. We are grateful for the certainty that we
have that families can be together forever.
We are
grateful to have such good family and friends.
Sorry that we are not there to help and support. But our love and prayers are with you all. We are grateful for everything that you are
doing. We will miss Grandma. It has been our privilege and blessing to be
next-door neighbors to Grandma and Grandpa for about 35 years. Over two years
ago, when we first got our mission call, Grandma asked if she could come with
us. She has been with us in spirit. We have
learned a lot from her….lessons taught by example. We love her!
We won’t say good bye, we’ll just use one our favorite portuguese
words…..”Ate” (until)
Love you all
lots! Eu te amo!
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