It all started August 2nd when Enoch, my 35 year old son, came to our home town in Eastern Oregon to attend the county fair with me at my invitation. Perhaps once a month we are able to see each other, and I treasure our time together! Sunday morning we had breakfast together before he headed back home to Idaho, and my husband and I left for the Oregon coast. A belated 37th birthday celebration with my middle child, Melody, was the reason for our visit to the beach. Melody works at a christian conference center just a few blocks from the ocean so it's always a double blessing to go see her.
This was my last chance to leave town for the following two months. As the "Fairy Godmother" in SHREK THE MUSICAL I would not be able to miss any more rehearsals before for the September 6th opening night! (And September would be filled with thirteen performances.) After a delightful birthday celebration at the coast Melody came back with us August 7th. Her brother gifted his sister with a 2001 Mustang! Jay took Melody to Boise, Idaho to pick the car up. She stayed at our home another night before heading back to the coast August 9th.
This was my last chance to leave town for the following two months. As the "Fairy Godmother" in SHREK THE MUSICAL I would not be able to miss any more rehearsals before for the September 6th opening night! (And September would be filled with thirteen performances.) After a delightful birthday celebration at the coast Melody came back with us August 7th. Her brother gifted his sister with a 2001 Mustang! Jay took Melody to Boise, Idaho to pick the car up. She stayed at our home another night before heading back to the coast August 9th.
That same night, at midnight, my oldest child Tabitha, 38 years old, arrived at our home in a rental car. A flight attendant for Southwest Airlines, she flew into Portland, and headed to Eastern Oregon to say “Goodbye” to her 91 year old paternal grandmother who was dying at a home here in our little town. The next day, Saturday, my niece Sascha showed up from Washington to attend her 20th high school reunion here. She and Tabitha grew up together so it worked out great for both women to stay in our guest room, and catch up on each other’s busy lives.
On Sunday morning Sascha left for home, and that afternoon my ex sister-in-law, Joyce arrived. Joyce and her husband had camped out in their travel trailer several days before it was decided her husband would return to their home with the trailer, and Joyce would stay with us until her mother passed away. Her passing seemed imminent, and we were happy to give both Joyce and Tabitha a place to stay during this time. Joyce is like a second mother to Tabitha. The two of them decided to keep vigil over this faithful servant of God, mother and grandmother Helen Evans, until she passed.
Helen was born in January of 1922 with a severe cleft pallet. In the 20's this kind of condition was usually left surgically untreated. Children made fun of her, and treated her differently. Helen learned to avoid cameras, and situations which drew attention to herself. She also experienced difficulty eating. Any food that produced crumbs could choke her easily. In spite of all these things Helen never complained, or felt sorry for herself. She accepted her disability, living a productive and hard working life. Even in the nursing home she insisted on helping with chores such as folding laundry until the last two weeks of her life!
Helen was born in January of 1922 with a severe cleft pallet. In the 20's this kind of condition was usually left surgically untreated. Children made fun of her, and treated her differently. Helen learned to avoid cameras, and situations which drew attention to herself. She also experienced difficulty eating. Any food that produced crumbs could choke her easily. In spite of all these things Helen never complained, or felt sorry for herself. She accepted her disability, living a productive and hard working life. Even in the nursing home she insisted on helping with chores such as folding laundry until the last two weeks of her life!
Tabitha felt strongly that her sister, Melody, should have an opportunity to say her good byes to Grandma Evans. On Monday, August 12th, Melody took time off work to come back to Eastern Oregon. Melody, Tabitha and their Aunt Joyce bonded during many quiet hours of knitting while sitting with bedridden Helen. After four days Melody needed to get back to the coast and work. She cherished some wonderful final moments with her grandmother, and said her goodbyes. Tabitha took four more days off work so she could stay with Aunt Joyce while her grandmother transitioned into the next world. This was too important, and she was compelled to be there at the finish line.
Sunday, August 18th, Helen Evans died at 6:10 PM. Her’s was a peaceful passing with both Tabitha and Joyce at her side. I was sitting in church when I got the call from my eldest daughter. On Tuesday Tabitha headed back to Arizona, and her husband. Joyce had many things to do to prepare for the funeral the following Saturday, and we invited her to continue staying with us through that week. She was grateful for the invitation, and gladly took us up on the offer. Joyce excels at courtesy, compassion, and listening which made her a delightful guest!
Melody and my son, Enoch, both arrived Friday, August 23, for the funeral the following day. They came from opposite directions for a unified purpose. Summerville Cemetery is a beautiful place where both Grandma and Grandpa Evans now rest. Many friends and relatives attended the lovely outdoor service. Helen excelled in generosity, and was deeply loved by many. Late afternoon everyone was gone, and our guest room sat empty for the first time in twenty two days! If silence took up space, our home would be piled high with it right now.
I’m filled with gratefulness to God who coordinated all of our guests comings and goings so wonderfully in the last three weeks. I’m also abundantly proud of my husband who prepared delicious breakfasts each morning for whoever happened to be staying with us at the time. Various fresh fruit cobblers, crepes, muffins, and fruit and yogurt parfaits prepared by my husband nourished our guests. He also kept everyone in clean bedding and towels. Jay never ceases to amaze me with his “servant’s heart”.
What a wonderfully busy three weeks. There was no "drama" or negativity during these twenty two days. I give God the glory!
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