Yesterday, Vern and I had the privilege of going to a funeral. Now, I know most people wouldn't think a funeral would be privilege, but this one was. We went to a great lady's send-off.
The church was packed! There were testimonials read about the impact she had on so many others during her 'short life'. Children who have grown up are now carrying on the work she started many years ago. She was a wife for over 50 years, a mother of 3 beautiful children, and grandmother to 8. She, and her husband, were missionaries in Germany, and then they pastored the Plevna church for 23 years before they retired.
Her daughter spoke about their family life. She said her mother was a 'loving, stubborn, praying mother'. She loved to laugh, but also knew when to be serious.
She had many physical limitations, such as blindness, a serious heart condition, and a circulatory problems, but she didn't let it stop her. Her energy level was limited by her conditions, but she was always ready to help others, and do 'her part' in different projects.
She has one son who is a missionary in Kenya, so her work is being carried on.
Her oldest granddaughter is finishing up her Master's in a cardio program. She wants to be able to help other people with heart problems, because of her grandmother's encouragement.
Because of her, many people have the Blessed Hope of eternal life with their Savior!
It was a privilege to know her! She made me feel very welcome in the family, because I was the 2nd Linda Goossen!
God bless your heritage! We will miss you, but we will see you again!
10 comments:
Linda, a lovely tribute to your valued family member and how lovely to be named after someone that you are so proud of!
They do say that the life you have led is valued by the thoughts of those you leave behind. Hope people will talk half as lovingly about me after I'm gone as you have here for the first leading lady, Linda Goosen!
Thanks, Gloria. I hope my life will have meaning too, that people will see! Linda was a very special lady! Her family is great too. One of the thoughts was from the song, "May all who come behind us find us faithful." She was!
If you think of him, please pray for her son, Waldo, the missionary to Kenya. He has Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and he isn't responding to the treatment. He is 46, and has 3 precious children.
Our last name has 2 o's and 2 s's!
What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful soul. I rejoice in the love she shares with our Lord.
Sweet tribute! Funerals can be beautiful when they're personal.
And ONLY when you know the person is in Heaven. Otherwise, they're torture. Been through both. Wish they were all the first kind.
Very well said. Honoring a person's life while they are alive as well as at their funeral is so important.
Years ago I went to a funeral where everyone was told to wear bright colors at the prior request of the deceased person.
We walked into the church, which was filled with and balloons.
The minister got into the pulpit and happily said, "Welcome to Ed's going away party!"
It was the most beautiful and meaningful funeral I have ever attended.
Thanks for posting this tribute to a wonderful lady! I've always felt privileged to know Alva and Linda and their family. Would love to have been at her memorial service.
P.S.
I might add that I feel privileged to know BOTH Linda Goossens!!
Darsi, you don't leave too many clues, but I think I have you figured out! Glad you are following my blog!
The family wore purple yesterday to remind us of the royalty of Heaven, and the grandkids let loose lots of balloons of various colors.
The flowers on the casket were special too. There was one long stemmed red rose, representing Linda and Alva's 50 years together, 6 daisies for the children and their spouses, and 8 carnations for the grandchildren.
It was a good day! I wish you could have been there too.
It sounds like an absolutely beautiful and well deserved memorial. She was/is obviously a lovely soul and her lifetime legacy will be her forever gift to her family. Rest in Peace...
How sweet you are for sharing this with all of us. I just lost a Aunt a few months back and this so reminded me of her.
Take care
Maggie
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