Grieving and Hope

Thank you so much for the prayers, cards, flowers, and correspondence regarding the passing of my beloved grandmother. Her passing is a profound loss in my life. She was a huge, comforting, and inspirational part of my life. I am so thankful God saw fit to allow me to be with her for the final three weeks of her life and to be able to be talking to her with our hands clasped as she took her final breaths. My grandmother has prayed fervently for my healing and got to see the visible results of her prayer. She has prayed faithfully for 20 years and as I spent time with her in the final weeks of her life, she was so excited to see me doing so well and to see the answer to her prayers.

Several of you have asked for the short eulogy from me that was shared at her services.

The quality of grandmother's being even far surpasses the quantity of time of which she lived. She leaves a legacy and provides a model in her passing. Her strength, bravery, and perseverance as she advanced in age and endured the passing of many of her closest friends and of her own physical abilities and freedoms was done with grace surpassed by few. She maintained a quiet zest and passion for her Lord and lived with the intention that others would experience that same joy that she knew in Jesus. Just recently she shared with me that she had begun praying a new prayer that God would stretch her comfort zone and allow her to see new ways of worship and teaching that would reach more people for Him. Her joy was ultimately for Him and that is exactly what she is enjoying right now. Probably fixing God a great big glass of her famous southern sweet tea! Heaven is real, Heaven is perfect, Heaven is joy, Heaven is laughter, Heaven is peace, Heaven is rest for the weary, Heaven is healing for the sick, Heaven is uninterrupted union with Jesus -- that makes it the perfect place for my grandmother. She is free from her aches and pains, from not being able to see well, from not being able to be wholly independent, from being lonely from the loss of friends and family. While we will miss her immensely and there is a huge hole in my soul that nothing in this life will ever be able to fill, I would never ask her to come back. I love her too much to do that. So good bye for now grandmother, until we meet up again remember to let God get a word in every now and then!!! Grandmother, I love you more than words can express and more than hearts can hold.

Shortly after arriving home to WA, we received word that Steve's dear friend and mentor in the fire service, Bob, had passed away after a three year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Bob was a founding member of his church and had given his life to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Chirist. Steve credits most of his work ethic and success in the fire service to his mentor, Bob. He has returned to TN to honor Bob and serve as a pallbearer at his services. He was able to spend time with Bob on our recent trip home to be with my grandmother. We are so thankful to God for allowing this time with Bob and Steve. Please be in prayer for Bob's family in the days ahead.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13

We thank you dear family and friends as we heal and recover from these significant losses.

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Messages

Rae Jean Bettmeng

January 3, 2015, 2:12 AM

What an incredible testimony you and Steve remain to be for the Glory of the Lord! I am so thankful that our paths in life crossed ever so briefly. But the bond of our friendship will always be one that I treasure for a lifetime. I continue to pray for you and Steve as you walk thru yet another rough time. Know that you are loved! Blessings to both of you!

A.J. Paulsen

January 3, 2015, 2:17 AM

Chief, Amy and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and mentor, Bob. Are thoughts are with you and Lee. A.j. and Amy

Lisa Currall

January 3, 2015, 5:36 AM

Praying.....

Bruce Ensign

January 3, 2015, 8:38 PM

Thank you for the update, Lee. You and Steve have been instrumental in many people's lives, and have also had many great people speak into yours. Thanks for loving Jesus as you do, and looking for ways to continue to honor and glorify Him in and through your present (and past) trials. Nice closing verse, as well! We all suffer loss of loved one, especially the longer we live. So that was a great reminder that we'll be united with many of them in a coming age. May God continue to strengthen and encourage you and Steve for what is ahead.

Cindy Hambly

January 5, 2015, 5:41 PM

Beautiful words Lee

Joan Bouck

January 5, 2015, 10:54 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. It is always so difficult to have the ties with our favorite people undone. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. Joan, FD3

Terry Puckett

January 6, 2015, 2:42 AM

As I read of you being with your grandmother, I am taken back to the time I was sitting holding my dear grandmother's hand in a simular way. She was two weeks shy of being 100 years old and had a very big impact on me growing up. My heart is with you and with Steve. May God wrap His

loving arms around you all and give you peace.

Kimball & Elizabeth Parker

January 6, 2015, 5:00 AM

Beautiful news of your time with Grandma. Thankful that God has arranged your time and travels to see His glory and enjoy their testimonies.

D Ward

January 6, 2015, 9:22 PM

Dearest Lee, it was wonderful to be with you at Grandmama's funeral. Thanks be to God for her seeing your healing! We are holding you all in our prayers. Love always, Debby, Don and Chuck A.(I'm listed by my maiden name on the carepages list) Thank you again to you and your dear

Mother for the DVD of the pictures of Grandmama.

sue ensign

January 8, 2015, 7:40 PM

Being a new grandmother, I love the inspiration and example of other godly saints. I've got a big job. I pray to be as beneficial and useful Jesus loving servant to my grandchildren as your Grandmother was to you:) Thanks for sharing.