Monday, October 7, 2013

remembering...

It was a weekend of remembering.

She was hubby's sister...
my sis-in-law...
Aunt Nellie to our children...
and Great-aunt Nellie to our grands.


We gathered early in the morning at the cemetery...
where she was laid to rest.
We knew that she was already safely resting in the arms of her Savior.
That is a blessed assurance!

From there...
we carried on to the church for the memorial service...
a celebration of the life of Nellie Janzen.

It was good to hear the tributes from those nearest and dearest to her.
We laughed and we cried!
Nellie disliked crowds and large gatherings.
How ironic...
that such a large crowd gathered in her memory.
She was not there to over rule!
She was a friend to many...
and they came to pay their respects.

It had been a very long time since all the cousins had been together.
They came from near and far...
and when the funeral tea was over...
the family gathering continued at our place into the evening.
Being together as family makes the best of the worst of times!



Once there were four siblings.
Now there are two.
No one has been promised tomorrow.
Again we are reminded to celebrate each day as a gift!


Yesterday was a special gift in our corner.

Sunshine and summer temperatures in October is not the norm.
We enjoyed it to the fullest...
and gave thanks!


19 comments:

  1. What an extra special way to share an event like this. A sweet tribute to a dear lady who touched all your hearts in different ways. It warmed my heart to see the picture of Elmer and his remaining sister, and it reminded me to cherish every moment with my siblings and family. The upcoming grand reunion in heaven, is made more real with each event like yours. Thank you Judy for sharing today.

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  2. How lovely that the sun shone for the celebration of your sister-in-law. It sounds like the gathering was as comforting and affirming as it could be - how lovely to be able to offer hospitality afterwards. You're so right that we are not promised tomorrow - we should live each day to the fullest, kindest, most hopeful and loving.

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  3. Sorry to hear of your loss, but rejoice with you that she rests in her Saviors arms.

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  4. Glad you could all gather and support each other in this way. It is the best kind of comfort. Good reminder to live each day with no regrets...

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  5. What a lovely weekend you had as you gathered with family and friends to remember and celebrate the life of Nellie. I remember her from Central Heights days playing piano. That last photo is not only the reminder of the changing of the seasons, but how life changes....fitting for this time.

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  6. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Such a sudden loss is so much much more difficult to bear. I will be praying for you. Your welcome to me as I approached the book signing corner of the Victoria TTV was heartwarming. It was wonderful to meet you.
    Anneliese

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  7. What a lovely post to remember. I would have come of course... I remember Nellie playing for various groups. She was appreciated.

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  8. What a beautiful farewell to a beloved sister and friend. I'm glad the clouds lifted for you. The last photo is just stunning. Is that at Minter? Praying for God's comfort to surround you all. Hugs, Pam

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  9. If all the reports from people who died, saw heaven and then came back to life are true, then our nearest and dearest departed one rush to greet us at heaven's gates. Nellie will probably be over her crowd aversion by the time she elbows her way in between the crowd in heaven when she sees you next.

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  10. So good to have family together to remember, to weep and to rejoice with each other.

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  11. That is a wonderful way of saying it...family makes the best of the worst of times... How good to have pleasant weather for the day with so many traveling...a Godsend. Praying for comfort and many blessed and happy memories of Nellie. You will know how far along you are in the grieving process when there are more smiles than tears. (John says that his siblings are also down to half...three gone to Glory and three plugging along with lots of happy memories and only a few tears. )

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  12. I remember the Janzen family . . . Nellie playing piano in church and her son sitting near the front.
    Obviously I did not know how I'd be reminded of her through you, since I did not know you were related. I see a season of life as it used to be, as I'm sure your hubby will be feeling it. May God comfor her dear family and all of you.

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  13. I don't know that I know her...but I know that you have talked about her...and I'm so happy that family all came together once more...those are the times that make one feel very special...What a beautiful photo of Elmer and his sister.(Martha?) There is the joy of knowing you will all be reunited...but there's also the joy of people coming together to share this day with you whether it be through tears or laughter.
    Time to do the Steps!!

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  14. I am sorry for your loss, but happy that you have sweet memories to treasure. Sharing memories with those dear to our hearts brings so much comfort and joy.♥

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  15. Yesterday's weather was indeed a gift. I'm glad the sun shone for your memorial service for Nellie - she sounds like a very special lady, much loved, and now with her Lord. May God's presence comfort all of you.

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  16. Thanks for sharing this beautiful heartfelt post :-)
    Heaven is looking better all the time...


    Hugs!

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  17. So sorry for your loss...so glad she is in heaven with her Savior. Enjoyed getting caught up. You have seen more of the US than I have and I have lived here all my life! Gotta figure out how to catch up!! ha! ha! Love the cake...so creative! Know she loved it, too! So glad your cookbook continues to do well and that each signing is unique and full of surprises! God is so good!

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  18. A beautiful post. Memories made will live on.....as does the influence of our dearly loved ones. Any time loved ones gather together is a time to be treasured and enjoyed. The picture of your weather day is stunning!

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  19. What a tender post Judy. She was surely a most special gift to your family and will live on in your memories! Huge hugs to you all!

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'The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.'
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson