And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

It has been a very busy and eventful week. While Henrietta and I were in Vancouver on April 23, for more testing at the cancer clinic we received a call that Henrietta’s mother had suffered a massive stroke. For some days she continued to live but was unresponsive.

The doctors said it would be a matter of days before she would pass away. On April 26 at 3.30 pm she exchanged life with Eternal life. For some years she had a great desire to be with her Lord and Saviour. Her wish and prayer is now fulfilled. Mother passed away at the age of 92 she lived a prayerful life, a life that was marked by amazing blessings but also marked by great trials. Never the less God cared for her in remarkable ways. She was widowed at the age of 38 and had then only lived as an immigrant in the USA for three years. She had the responsibility to raise her four children on her own, Henrietta being the youngest never knew her father because she was only weeks old when her father passed away.

Henrietta being the only sibling that lived close to her mother did however get to spend much time with her, especially the last 20 years when she lived in our town. As her mother grew older she needed much care and Henrietta was at her side as often as needed. Mother will be missed by all, especially by all those who surrounded her closely in her life like our children and grand children whom she loved so dearly.

After 92 years mother’s wish has finally become reality that is to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I believe, and she would no doubt agree with the text from Psalm 84:2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

The time of her passing was a very touching and remarkable event. A family choir had come to sing for the old folks in the meeting area of the rest home. The door to mothers room was open and unknown to the singers that mother was laying on her deathbed they sang the song "Beyond the Sunset.” It was that during this song that mother cast her eyes once more Heavenward an immediately thereafter gave her last breath. It touched us deeply to say the least. Please see the lyrics of the song below. This was the day that another soul was added to Gods Kingdom.

The prayer of Psalm 23 has become a reality for her, especially the last words “And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever”

Just a few words on my treatments. I am now more than one week into Chemo treatments and I am feeling quite good in comparison to previous Chemo treatments. So far I am not nauseated and able to eat reasonably well. Although tired and having an aching body, it is going pretty good.

As I visited mother this week I couldn’t help but wonder, who will be next. A question that should keep us all busy but most important, are you ready to meet your Maker and Creator, God Himself.

Thank you for the many ways of expressing your care, personally or otherwise.
God bless you on your journey.
John

 

Henrietta with her mother in 2013 on moms 92 birthday

 



1. Beyond the sunset,
O blissful morning,
When with our Saviour
Heav'n is begun.
Earth's toiling ended,
O glorious dawning;
Beyond the sunset
When day is done.

2. Beyond the sunset,
No clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten,
No fears annoy;
O day of gladness,
O day unending,
Beyond the sunset,
Eternal Joy.

3. Beyond the sunset,
A hand will guide me
To God, the Father,
Whom I adore;
His glorious presence,
His words of welcome,
Will be my portion
On that fair shore.

4. Beyond the sunset,
O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones
Who've gone before;
In that fair homeland
We'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset
For evermore!