This was a difficult week for my friend Pam. I have known Pam since University. As soon as I met her I knew that we would become great friends. Her outgoing personality, tell it like it is demeanor, a great smile that lights up her eyes, her heartfelt laugh, and the ability to make the most of whatever the situation (even a car breaking down) are all traits I loved about Pam right away. When I first met Pam's parents, they welcomed me into their home and instantly made me feel welcome. Pam is so much like her mother, Marg, and also has this gift for hospitality. After spending time with her mom over the years, I saw more and more where Pam got all these character traits.
Marg battled cancer. She overcame it years ago but then it returned. I remember the despair when Pam called me to share the news. That was many years ago and true to who Marg is, she was determined to still live her life and do the best she could to battle this disease. And that is exactly what Marg did for the last eight years. She lived her life fighting cancer and lived life to give her family memories to carry with them after she was gone. Marg passed away on January 19 after spending her final days in the hospital surrounded by her family. Her funeral was held this past Friday in Saskatoon. Pam's tribute to her mom at her funeral honoured her mother and was a testimony to the woman that Marg was and the impact she had on others. Aside from the tribute, I loved the words Pastor Harley shared, Marg's own words shared last Thanksgiving at church about her journey and her faith; she shared that her heart's desire and her prayer is that her grandchildren will come to know the Lord. She wants more than anything for them to know God and to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. What a beautiful message and a strong heritage to pass along. It was also very touching when Marg's grandchildren each shared a Bible verse as their tribute. Through Marg's battle with cancer, her family has been there for her and her husband Dave stood strong at her side, continually declaring his love for her, and he continues to declare his love for her despite death separating them. The courage and strength he showed is also a testimony to those who witnessed it. So although, Marg is gone, she lives on in her family and in those who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Marg.
Some Bible verses on grief that I find to be an encouragement and a source of comfort and peace:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” ~2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~Isaiah 41:10
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” ~Isaiah 43:2
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” ~Psalm 18:2
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ~Psalm 23:4
“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” ~Psalm 27:4-5
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” ~Psalm 34:18
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” ~Psalm 46:1-2
“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” ~Lamentations 3:31-33
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” ~Romans 8:18
It was a whirlwind trip to Saskatoon as I left on Thursday after work and returned Friday evening. However, it was worth it to be able to be there to support Pam. Please continue to pray for her and her family as they continue to grieve.
It had been years since we were all together.
(with Renee and Pam)
It was good to get home and spend time with my family. Kirra had ballet Saturday morning and following ballet she and I often like to have a Starbucks date.
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Saturday afternoon we went and watched Jaret play basketball. He and his team did really well. They won the game and Jaret led in rebounds. I am a little proud and pretty impressed since he is the smallest on the team. Jaret is really interested in The Titanic right now and is enjoying learning all he can about it. He is reading the first book in The Titanic series by Gordon Korman.
And speaking of reading, Kirra is also reading. I love hearing her learn to read and we spend lots of time reading together. We practice sight words - Kirra will tell you she doesn't know how to read, despite knowing all the words we practice. And Jaret will laugh as she reads them telling us how easy the words are. It then takes Kirra reading an actual book with me to realize that she actually does know how to read. These are the moments I love and cherish! Hope you are taking time to cherish the simple moments in life.
”
… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no
longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or
pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne
said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Revelation 21:4-5a (NASB) -
See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/#sthash.KXoEsAbC.dpuf
”
… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no
longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or
pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne
said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Revelation 21:4-5a (NASB) -
See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/#sthash.KXoEsAbC.dpuf
”
… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no
longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or
pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne
said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” Revelation 21:4-5a (NASB) -
See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/#sthash.KXoEsAbC.dpuI have been friends with Pam since University. The first time we met at University, I knew that we would be good friends. Pam was the girl that would say just what she was thinking, would turn a bad situation into one you could learn from, and she was fun to be around with her smile and laugh. Pam is like her mom, Marg, in many ways. I remember meeting Pam's parents the first time and just immediately feeling at ease and welcomed into their home. I am grateful for the close friends in my life who have done life with me and who have walked beside me. I am thankful for Pam and honoured to have known her mom. Marg passed away this week after a long battle with cancer. Marg was a woman of strength and courage. She was a stubborn woman but it was this trait and her determination, strength and courage that helped her battle for as long as she did. The time she battled to extend her life, allowed for many more memories for her family and her friends.
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