This past Sunday, January 17th, 2010 was the peaceful Homecoming to Jesus for our dear Helen Laverne. What joy, what warmth she has brought to our home! From the moment of setting our eyes upon her comforting, sweet face, she has been placed very dearly in our hearts.
I remember when we first walked into her room in OK. Upon entering and catching sight of the grandmotherly figure, Johanna made a beeline for Helen, intertwining their hands together. That was just the start of a tight bond between the two. Helen brought her little red velvet rocker with her and it became the "seat of honor" for the two to sit in; Johanna with her head leaning on the comfortable shoulder, and Helen tenderly patting her back.We have each had our precious moments with Grandma Helen; memories which will never fade, remain forever dear to our hearts. And although her passing, her uniting with Christ, is a most difficult and bitter truth to swallow, yet, it is also a time of celebration and a deliciously sweet testimony to proclaim! I am reminded of the words of David as he expresses the difficulty of sorrow and yet the victory we can enjoy which follows: Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b)
Though we terribly miss our dear, sweet, loving southern belle, we have a hope which will one day reunite us not only with Helen, but the Lord of all.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7&8

