Sunday night, a week ago, the family came home for the usual "first Sunday night of the month" get together.  It was a really special time together.  I have a new great-grandbaby that seems to like me just a little bit -- Every time I talk to her she smiles, and smiles and smiles . . .

This is me, talking to Charis.  She has come to bless my granddaughter and her husband, Christina and Jesse Bontrager.

We have such special great grandchildren.  I (probably too often) wish so much that Mark were here to enjoy them, too.

Here is Polly holding her precious Dorie.  Dorie belongs to Mark and Polly's daughter, Queena and her husband, Ethan Mast.
This little one also knows me.  It is such a warm feeling when they respond to me.

Here are the little girlies, making their acquaintance

Dorie is growing so fast.  She can do so many things.  Charis makes her seem so grown up!

Clint hates to get his picture taken.  He and Frieda had come early.  Frieda had some surgery on her foot and is still recuperating.  She is coming along nicely, though.

Elmer, Edie and Queena in the food line.

 
There were times of laughter, as usual.  I don't remember what was so funny here, but You can tell that Mark is really amused at something.

None of us had an inkling of what the morning was going to bring.

AT 8:45 the next morning, my nephew's wife was struck by lightening and died of her injuries.  Mark and I had often been in the home of Jonathan and Dawn Yoder.  Jonathan's father, Jesse, is a brother to my late husband, Mark, and I am a sister to Jonathan's mother, Gladys.  Our children grew up together, and we have shared almost everything over the years.  When Jesse and Gladys would go down to visit Jon and Dawn, sometimes Mark and I would go along.  I have such warm and precious memories of the times we spent with them and their family.  This week has been a really rough time for me, as I've once again, had to think about the finality of death, and about how life changes so completely in a split second.  My heart goes out to Jonathan in ways that I can't really express.  I just feel so sad for him and his children.  As an extended family, we've been blessed to see his attitude of humility and acceptance and trust, and it reminds me that I need to hang on when I don't understand.

I often sang this song as I went about my work as a young wife and mother.  The words are something I need now as much as I ever have. 

". . . So trust Him in Shine and Shade.
Trust Him, be not afraid.
He is walking close beside you.
His hand will safely guide you
His wings securely hide you
Then trust, be not afraid."

In these sad, sad days, would you please pray for Jon and his children; Robert, Kristin, Amber and Stephen.  And for my sister, Gladys, and her husband Jesse and their extended family?
And for me, too?  I need the prayers of those I love.