We Have

In the last few days, we have:

Laid my husband’s mother to rest, seeing in her the image of the heavenly.

Felt so much love from and for the Penner family.

Witnessed the love of my father-in-law for his wife – not a love that wept deeply but one that glowed with the knowledge of his wife’s release from the earth.

Heard beautiful singing, beheld lovely flower bouquets, and ate delicious meals prepared by others.

Recalled so many good memories.

Renewed acquaintances with Penner and Dyck relatives and with friends.

Stood by the grave of great-grandfather Johann Dueck who as a young minister preached the funeral sermon of Minister John Holdeman.

Sang “Faith of Our Fathers” in the old Hillsboro church where Grandpa Dyck married Grandpa and Grandma Penner.

Listened to Abe Ensz and Franklin Dyck (with much input from the relatives) give a tour of the Dueck place, the David Dyck home place, the school where Mom attended . . .

Spent time with my parents at their home in Halstead.

I held the great-nephews. I rescued baby Ivan from his second cousin Laura’s smothering kisses.

I blushed to be pulled on stage.

I puzzled at being told, “New York is falling apart.”

I learned that Exxon’s horrific oil spill in the waters off of Alaska put an end to Norman Dyck’s livelihood.

I heard an exchange between two of the older Dyck cousins: “I have an axe to grind.”

“We will grind it then but not here.”

“Okay.”

We’re in the Kansas City airport waiting for our flight back to NYC. It’s been a sweet time of gathering with people we love. The funeral service for Mother was beautiful. All of the Richard Penner family was there except for weeks old baby Macklin and his mother. A huge thank you to our family and friends for caring for us during this time.

God bless you! Berniece