.....tender, sweet, gentle, peaceful.............

We have had a tender experience tonight that I want to share with you while it is still vivid. This morning Sister Newman received a phone call from a man in Florida asking if some missionaries could go to give his sister a blessing. After telling him "yes" and ending the call, she found the address on the map and began agonizing over which Elders to call because it was so "far out there".... in the netherlands between Ensley and Jasper.........Roger said he would "take Jerry and go". So after dinner with the Ensley Elders tonight, we went to pick up Jerry then to find this home "way out there". Roger had called and talked with Rebecca--daughter of "the sister". She is not a member, but was very willing to have him come. .........and it was "way out there"!!!! While on the way, I called to tell her we would be there in about thirty minutes. She again sounded very thankful for our effort. When we arrived, there were about fifteen cars in front of the house!! We wondered if we had been "set up", but went to the door without fear. Rebecca answered the door and again expressed her gratitude. We walked in and found a house full of people!! ...many of them not visible!! "Momma" was in a room off the kitchen........a comfortable room that felt almost sacred. She lay in bed surrounded by children and grandchildren. This sweet, wonderful daughter to God, had raised eight stalwart children; all grounded with faith in God and His goodness. She is 91 years old. A widow for 36 years. There was such a feeling of peace and love in that room! And then I recognized the same feeling we had in our house the week before Suzanne left us. Marjorie opened her eyes and looked at Roger, then put up her arms for a hug! I don't know that I could describe or even find words for my feelings as I watched my good husband tenderly and gently hug this woman and tell her he loves her. Rebecca explained her condition and Roger asked if they were ready to let her go. Rebecca said Momma was ready to go, but she was not ready to let her. After reassuring her that we are never ready to have loved ones go he asked "the children"--about ten with some spouses--if we could have prayer together before the blessing. They readily agreed. Such a loving, peaceful spirit filled the room and we were all teary. Poor Jerry! Roger's home teaching companion, is so tender, he had a real struggle with his emotions. What a joy and privilege to know him! Roger gave Marjorie a beautiful blessing of peace and comfort...... And all were comforted. There were fewer tears...........but all were so gracious and grateful. It was a real privilege to be there. Such good people! One of the older daughters told me of her son who "Momma lost" five years ago at age 41 and showed me a picture taken of him and Momma the last time they saw him. A wonderful picture! And I thought he would have his arm around his grandma again before too long.......that he was there just waiting for her to come!!!! I wanted to tell her that, but it never did feel like the right time. I hope that wasn't my fear getting in the way. But wow!! what an amazing experience!! Roger couldn't leave without another hug from Marjorie. And I talked to her for a minute and told her how grateful I was to be with her. We walked out into the soft Alabama night so thankful for a loving Father and the knowledge that He loves all His children.................