Heaven is rejoicing over a new angel in town!

In memory of Ms. Ophelia P.

In honor of her daughter, Barbara

A friend to many, Ms. Ophelia..better known as "Gran", passed on 12-4-06. She was a special woman to many....but most special to her Daughter, Barbara. I have watched Barbara move her mother here to our small town, take care of her every need and watch over her. Gran made lots of new friends here. She always had a smile to give, a warm hug to share, even a compliment every now and then,even when her eyesight failed her. She contined to come to Church, when she could, with the help of Barbara and Ed. She was a strong willed woman with a tender, gentle side. When Gran's health began to decline, Barbara moved her to the nursing home where she could have her every need met without worry of Gran falling...eating right and etc.

Mrs. Barbara visited, kept her in things she needed, took her home for visits, helped her play bingo when she could, took her to Dr. visits and etc. Gran did a great job in rearing up Barbara...it showed in the way Barbara treated her mom. Gran was very proud of her daughter and what a fine woman she has turned out to be. She told me on numerous occasion of how much Barbara helped her and didn't know what she would do without her. I'm sure there were times when her strong will came out and wanted to stand her ground, but it was only because she loved Barbara and knew no matter what she said or did...deep down she knew Barbara would not leave her...she would always be back to visit.

Another good woman leaves her legacy through an exceptional daughter, friend, mother, grandmother, wife and all the many hats her daughter, Barbara, wears. God arranged for Gran to hear her daughter sing one more time before leaving this world. Barbara shared an idea of practicing our Christmas Cantata at the nursing home Sunday....it went from there. We all showed up....Ms. Ophelia taking "center stage", where she sat and enjoyed the music and the visit from her Church family. She seemed much at peace that evening...we didn't realize at the time just how much peace she really had. Early the next morning she passed on to be with her Heavenly Father. What a WONDERFUL GOD THING!

Through all these years, the Lord was smiling on this mother/daughter relationship...giving each of them what they needed to go through each day. Barbara, you have done well with "rearing" your mom in the latter stages of her life...God Thanks you for tending to His child in her time of need. You are an inspiration.

May we all remember those that NEED our help and reach out to them with the love God has shared with us.

".......I will give comfort and joy instead of sorrow....." declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 31:13