In Memoriam

I received this letter just this week, and it moved me. First of all I cried, and read it again, and then cried some more. Often, I have prayed that the Lord would use the book Hiking Toward Heaven to help someone to hope, and this is a beautiful example. This heartfelt letter comes all the way from Australia.

“My Mum Beryl Whitham died at the hospital in December 2011, and yes I read her your book during her last days. Your Mum had written a letter, and sent the book to my Mum, as they were very close friends all their lives. I read your Mum’s letter to my Mum each day. And I began reading your book to my Mum. Many tears were shed (mine not Mum’s). She said she was so proud of your achievement.

And she loved the story. She loved the photos, and remarked each time how you looked like your Dad. She reminded me she was your Godmother, and loved your family. The mountains and scenery you describe, she felt she was there, and I often had to re-read a particular description so she could imagine it right.

Mum had been told death was near, and while I cried she said ‘I have had a good life and lived long, and it’s in the Lord’s hands. Please don’t cry, as the Angels are all around you, helping you like they do in the book’.

She felt the hiking difficulties you had written about in the book were just typical life problems, and with Prayer all can be solved. Mum and I prayed each day, and when she couldn’t talk anymore I kept on reading. Whilst Mum enjoyed the book, she also felt it was good for me. So I kept on reading her favourite parts. I shared a very intimate time with Mum, knowing she was dying and just waiting.

Mum trusted the Lord, and said I just have to be patient because it’s in His hands. When the pain became too much, morphine was started, but after a few days, Mum passed away. She was 89 years, and accepted death graciously. She especially liked the thought of Heaven you wrote about. I thank you for writing the book, and am thankful to have had the privilege to read it to my Mum”.

This was written by Elizabeth Quailey of Sydney, Australia, and I am grateful to her for allowing me to share this intimate story. Elizabeth’s mother and my mother were best friends, and kept in touch all their lives. My mother will have her 90th birthday this year.

The Gray Nomad.
Probing the practice of Christian believers….

“But unto you who revere My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings. And you shall go forth and gambol like calves released from the stall and leap for joy”. (Malachi, chapter 4, Amplified Bible).