Sunday, April 17, 2011

A Legacy

I first heard his name when his daughter, Vickie, asked us to pray for his salvation. Vickie was in my college bus division.

I first met him while going door-to-door visiting after we moved to Port Huron. He greeted us with a beer in hand and was very nice to us. We also met a VERY pregnant Beth on that day.

On April 1, 1984, he walked into our church. Someone told his wife he was there and she thought it was an April Fool's joke! It was no joke - he walked the aisle and accepted Christ.

Our Melodie was born in October of that year and we needed a babysitter. Bev and Bill became her caregivers. They took such great care of her and loved her as their own.

A few weeks ago I heard Bill had cancer. He had two treatments in Port Huron that seemed to do nothing to his cancer. I chatted with Vickie and found out that he was getting treatments at St. John's hospital in Detroit - just a short trip from our home.

Two Sunday's ago, when Bernie came to sit by me after playing the piano, I whispered to him - "We need to go see Bill Green." Knowing choir practice comes soon on Sunday afternoons, we ran home, gobbled down dinner, and drove to the hospital.

As we walked aroung the curtain in his room, he looked at us - I said, "I am Norma." He looked at both of us and said, "You have aged." That is the first time I have had someone say that to me (even though I HAVE aged!!!!). We laughed. He talked to us for at least 40 minutes and he looked great. We were so glad we went to see him.

That Friday, he went to be with his Lord. Such a sad time, but his memorial yesterday was a great testimony of a LEGACY.

I could not believe how many cars were parked at the church in Port Huron. Every business around the church had full parking lots, and the streets were packed. The church had to set up folding chairs.

Every memorial given was about the man who loved people and loved his God. He loved and served his family and his church. He had enough love for his family, extended family, and strangers. What a legacy one man left behind!

Makes me wonder . . . what will they say about you at your memorial? How many will attend? Do we only love your family? Do we treat strangers in such a way that they feel compelled to go to our memorial? Do others see your love for Christ? What legacy will you leave?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Blessings . . . Blessings . . . Blessings Again!

Children really are blessings. They are blessings at birth and we (as mothers) love them so much. They get a little bigger and a little more trying, but still a blessing. Then the teen years - BLESSINGS!! Actually, my girls were a blessing as teens.

We only have one chance to raise our children. I had great examples as parents. I find it hard to express to my parents how much I love them. I tell them often and write to them . . . they are just so special to me and I am so thankful to still have them in my life.

Yesterday, Anna sent me tulips at work.

Aren't they beautiful? We had a "date" last night, too, and enjoyed talking. I also received a call from Melodie last night. I am so thankful for the time I was able to put into my girls. What a blessing they are today. They have honored their parents and have made them very proud. I feel so blessed to have great relationships with my children.