← Back to Dad’s memorial service
On January 7, 2022, one year after Dad’s memorial service, Mom wrote this reflection looking back on the day, on God’s faithfulness, and on who Jerry was.
This morning I awoke and was taken back to a year ago, the day of Jerry’s funeral. I recalled how when I woke up that morning I thanked God for His love and care and provision and asking Him for strength and His grace to walk through the day.
As I lay there thinking about the day ahead, I thought about all the details that needed to be brought together to make that day happen so as to honour Jerry well. The dress shirts that needed to be ironed, the shoes and dress boots that needed the extra polish on them, the sound equipment being delivered and set up, the equipment for the PowerPoint, the funeral meal to be delivered, the fact it was -47 with the wind chill and a snow storm happening. I very quickly realized the amount of people that would be landing at the house with a need to be fed lunch. I had counted 24 or 25 and was still counting. I also realized the need to have time to get ready myself. I paused for a moment and thought, hmm, how is that going to work?
So I prayed, and asked God. He had promised He will supply all my needs according to His glorious riches. In literally moments Pat messaged, “what do you need done?” I replied, “25+ people for lunch, I need someone on food detail.” Judy was close behind. My kitchen angels walked in and put out a spread like no one could imagine. A dear friend came and did Katie’s hair and polished the shoes and boots. Another close friend did my hair and helped me get ready. God supplied our need immeasurably more than we could have asked or imagined.
Throughout the morning we received multiple calls and messages from people that started out from points south and had to turn back as it was too dangerous to travel. Actually over 30 vehicles of family and friends were unable to join us, just from the southern part of the province. Many from out west had to cancel as well. But we felt their prayers, support, and encouragement. The Lord carried us that day and absolutely every day prior and since then. He has literally walked us through this year with grace and love and kindness. There have been difficult situations, painful hard, push-through-just-to-take-the-next-breath moments. There have also been moments of breakthrough, joy, overwhelming joy, laughter, and celebration. What seems like a million new things, the One that is unshakeable has been with us constantly, walking and carrying us through.
God has many times reminded me of what a man of excellence Jerry was. He was kind and intelligent, he was a man of integrity and honour. He loved Jesus deeply, he was funny beyond words at times, he was a great storyteller. He was an incredible tease. He used to say he only teased those he loved. Oh my, he loved us. He really did love his family well. He loved me well. I’m forever grateful for the years and life we had together. There was no one like my Jerry.
First Thessalonians 4:13 says, “so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” Oh we will grieve, but we have a hope and a promise. Such peace comes with the knowledge that Jerry was more alive and better the moment he took his last laboured painful breath on this fallen earth, as he stepped into eternity with the One he loved most and the One who loves him perfectly, than he ever was the previous 60 years. What incredible peace and joy comes with that assurance.