Reflections

Memories run like a slow motion picture in the shadows of my mind. Christin, Kati and I sat in a circle with our neighbors in their front yard. Some boys from the foster home across the street joined us as we chatted and laughed. The oldest boy for no apparent reason got up and slapped me across the face. Without missing a beat my unexpected response was to embrace him tightly. He looked confused and I asked why he had struck me. His face was lifeless and he shook his head in disbelief. It was not until later that I was given the story that the boys mother had shot herself in front of them. What a horrific picture for one to hold in the presence of their minds. There I sat with two lively and well loved daughters laughing and enjoying life. He was jealous but could not put his finger on the muddle that had unfairly been handed to him. The boys traveled back and forth from their foster home to our humble abode. They would spend countless hours in our small front room talking, laughing, playing cards or watching cartoons. One day the big question arose, could I adopt them. My heart sank, I had grown to love these two boys. I had to explain that I just did not have the means but would have loved for them to my sons. Shortly following that day, they came to tell me that their father was coming from California to pick them up. He had decided to take them back from the state and provide a home for them. This particular day has been deeply etched into my mind. I watched from my window as a man approached the door of the foster home. He loaded the boys suitcases into the trunk and the boys somberly climbed into the car and slowly drove down the street then vanished as they turned the corner. I was left with tears streaming down my face knowing that I had no control of the outcome of this situation. Through out my life, I have hoped and prayed for those two boys. I have prayed that they would be safe, that they would be loved and that most of all they would come to know the saving grace that is freely offered by excepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

John 3:1-6 (KJV) 1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Papa Richard and Mama Darlene Mummau

This past week our dear Papa Richard went home to be with the Lord. Yes, a Papa to many across the United States and abroad. Little did I know when I had asked some questions about the Conservative Mennonites and their beliefs, that this man and his wife would come visit our family. They entered our home with a large bag of popcorn in hand. Once we finished our visit, he welcomed us into his growing family. He was Papa, Dawdy and Grandpa to countless. Like so many, I waited for his Family Letter. This was a letter that he wrote weekly. Sometimes more, sometimes less depending on his busy traveling schedule. Papa kept us informed of his daily activities and his travels to meet other families. We shared in his life and other church members joys and sorrows. We were connected, we were loved.
About a week ago, I received a Family Letter. Papa shared that he had been short of breath and that daughter Mandy had helped him do the weed whacking. He mentioned that he had thought about dying but that he was here until God was ready to take him home. The next Family Letter was from Papa's Pastor. He had let us all know that our Papa had gone home.
Easter day we went to the viewing. My husband David signed the guest book. A man handed out an additional paper, that we read as we stood in line. The paper was written by Mama Darlene telling us of Papa's final moments.
This day was Papa and Mama Darlene's fifty fourth wedding anniversary. Papa had gotten up at 5:00 am. to write a love letter to his wife and slip it into their mail box. A surprise for Darlene to find later in the day. Just thirty minutes later, Papa had a massive heart attack. That afternoon the room was filled with church members discussing and deciding on the funeral arrangements. Amidst the planning, the door bell rang. A delivery for Mama Darlene. It was beautiful red roses, attached was the card signed, from her loving husband.
In memory of: Richard Eby Mummau (December 6,1936 - April 5, 2012)
"May God bless you real good" "Keep on keeping on!


Revelations 21:3-5 (KJV)

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.