Written on 9th August.

As I write up the next instalment to my blog I am feeling sadness mixed with joy as my Mum was called Home to be with her Saviour on July 16th. We were called to Bethany on the 13th at 6.30 a.m. and left straightaway to see her. The carers didn’t think we would arrive in time and had already kissed her goodbye. Ben was able to cut across country and reach her first and she rallied at the sound of his voice! We were able to spend a quality couple of hours with her and she talked of her dear sister and brother who had gone on before. At one point she calmly said ‘I’m waiting. Help me.’ To whom was she talking? Was it a coincidence that Ben noticed that the verse on the calendar for the following day read ‘I waited patiently for the Lord.’? We read to her from John 14 and Isaiah 45 and it was an experience I wouldn’t have missed. She was able to say goodbye and I know that the Lord graciously gave us those extra hours. He was ready to take her, she was ready to go, but the Lord gave treasured memories for those left behind. Ben got in to see her right up to the day she died. He read to her and held her hand and talked with her and I feel sure gave her much comfort in her final hours.

We were surprised to see so many at the funeral as so many of her friends and family are dispersed all over the country and the majority in heaven but people travelled long distances to come. The day went so well and just as she would have liked. Pink and white carnations were in abundance as a poignant reminder of her wedding bouquet, and the sun shone warmly as we sang around the graveside.

The following day Steve travelled out to the North Sea and is still there as I write. He came home from a holiday in Morocco to the news of his Grandma’s call to Glory.

Daniel has been hard at work in his new home. He has knocked down a dividing wall, made one big kitchen from three small rooms and moved the bathroom upstairs. Church continues to go well for him and they had a good turn out for the fun day last Sunday.

Ben had a wonderful time at the wedding in Tunisia and we enjoyed seeing all the photos.

Saturday club finished at the beginning of July and it is good to relax and spend time in the garden, but September will come round soon enough and the stories of Jesus studied again. Throughout June we were very encouraged to take Gemma along with Becky to Sunday School. Sophie enjoyed coming to morning and evening church to sit with Elsie and we hope the interest of these children will be just as strong when they return from their holidays.