My Eulogy For My Mother
Dear friends,My Mom passed away on July 31, 2007. I left L.A. August 1st and got to The Philippines on the 3rd day of Mom's wake. People were surprise to see me as I had a passport issue I had to sort out before I was able to travel. I had to get my passport renewed the morning of the 1st, get my ticket a few hours later, and depart at 11PM that same night! God is good, all the time! I returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday, August 15th.
The trip was bittersweet and tough, and yet it was nice at the same time. I terribly miss my mom. All my siblings made it to the Philippines for the wake and memorial; 3 from Hong Kong, and my sister from Toronto, Canada. Many people came from DHQ, THQ, and the Training College. We also welcomed moms fellow comrades from Manila Central Corps, former Corps Officers, and friends in The Army who all came for the wake, funeral, and committal services. Her entire memorial was very beautiful.
I was very honored to be there to witness as others shared of the impact my mother had on their lives. I was greatly moved by the testimony of a homeless man who came to remember my mother. I saw him sitting alone one night during the wake. The following morning I approached him to find out who my mom was to him. He shared with me that my mom had been so gracious to give him some food and a drink one day when he was passing by and asked for a kindness. Being moved by the legacy of my mother, I shared with him a meal, some clothing, and a little money to help him on the journey of his life. How could I possibly do any less than my mother?
While we were there to mourn our loss of Mom, and to celebrate her life, it was also great that I got to spend my birthday, August 7, with my Dad and my sisters and brothers on the day before the memorial. I don't recall ever having that opportunity before.
Currently I am in the process of applying for US citizenship. I was planning, once I have acquired this citizenship, to petition to bring Mom to the US too. Mom was very excited at the thought of being with me, and with seeing her two remaining siblings who are here in LA. However, God had a much better plan than I. He gave her heaven, a gift I cannot give, and that wouldn't cost me a dime. My family thought I was crazy when I shared with them this plan as she was 77 and having difficulty walking. Apparently God thought so, too! Instead of allowing me to bring Mom to The Unites States, what some call 'heaven on earth', He took my Mom's hands and led her to the Pearly Gates of Heaven itself! What a wonderful time for my Mom!
I will continue to grieve and miss my Mom an awful lot, until the time comes that I get to see her with our Saviour and King! She was a great and faithful soldier, and had run an amazing race! I pray that I may have even a quarter of the strength and love that she had for our Master, her Creator!
"Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as
well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them
comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
Jeremiah 31:13
Love,
Raven & Matt Gillies
Posts: 92
Reply #88 on : Fri July 10, 2009, 07:16:12
Posts: 92
Reply #87 on : Fri July 10, 2009, 01:12:51
Posts: 92
Reply #86 on : Thu July 09, 2009, 21:22:18
Posts: 92
Reply #85 on : Thu July 09, 2009, 10:31:49
Posts: 92
Reply #84 on : Thu July 09, 2009, 06:58:08
Posts: 92
Reply #83 on : Wed July 08, 2009, 19:41:13
Posts: 92
Reply #82 on : Wed July 08, 2009, 15:59:22
Posts: 92
Reply #81 on : Wed July 08, 2009, 12:43:37
Posts: 92
Reply #80 on : Wed July 08, 2009, 09:36:53
Posts: 92
Reply #79 on : Wed July 08, 2009, 05:52:23