April 2nd is a day of anniversaries. It marks the
82nd anniversary of my parents’ marriage and it marks the 1-year
anniversary of Wendy’s homegoing.
Over the last few weeks as I saw this day approaching, I
have spent time reflecting on both events.
Memories flooded my mind. So
many, too many to list. But with each
memory there also came those momentary flashes of sorrow because I miss my
folks and I miss my dear cousin so very much.
These three family members of mine had so much in
common. First of all, they were family
people. My parents were always inviting
people into their home – not only to visit but often to live. Each one was made to feel a part of our
family. Wendy (and of course, Raymond)
did the same. I experienced first hand
what it was like to enjoy the hospitality at the Smith “farmhouse” and I know
that they opened their home up over the years to family members to live with
them for extended periods of time.
Secondly, they knew the value of hard work. A classic motto is “Weimers work!” My folks were always busy doing
something. Working at their respective
jobs, around our farm, at the church, etc.
On and on. Rarely did you see
either one of them sit down for very long.
And Wendy, whew – could that girl work!
I couldn’t believe how she took a property in Farmers Valley and carved
it out to become a real showplace. And
her gardening, canning and cleaning energies were enjoyed and utilized by all
who knew her. Literally at night when I
would visit, I would see her sit down for rare moments and literally fall asleep
from exhaustion. Not because she had to
work that hard – but because she wanted to.
Lastly, and likely the most important similarity was their
love for our Savior, Jesus. My mom and
dad truly knew what it was like to walk with Jesus. They turned to Him in times of need, praised
Him for answered prayer and trusted Him for eternity as life began to ebb. They shared their faith with those that
entered their home, diligently served in their local church and gave
sacrificially to the furtherance of the gospel.
Wendy (and of course, Raymond) did the same. I believe if there is one characteristic of
Wendy that I wish to emulate it is her steadfast faith in Jesus. Her life had its ups and downs for sure, but
through it all her faith in Jesus never wavered. Even in the last weeks of life when pancreatic
cancer was wearing her earthly body down, she still clung to Him. Her legacy left to her husband, her children
and the rest of her family and friends who knew her is one we all cherish.
So, on this “anniversary” day, I reflect on blessings. I reflect on being given truly wonderful
parents that I miss every day. I was
blessed by their steadfast love and commitment not only to Jesus but also to
our family and to each other. They had
61 years of married life together and they lived out their love in so many
ways. And I was blessed to have my dear
cousin, Wendy for nearly 64 years. We
grew up as playmates together on the family farm in the Valley and we ended
that time as best of friends at her “farmhouse” in the Valley. I miss her so very much. I think of her each day as I look at the many
gifts she gave to me over the years and as I read the Spurgeon book she gave to
me each morning. I thank God for her
life, her love and her friendship and I look forward to the day when I will see
her and my folks face to face.
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