Thursday, July 19, 2007

Aunt Betty - Called Home

Richard's Aunt Betty went to be with the Lord at 5:00AM today (Thursday, July 19th).
Dr. Elizabeth Brooks held a PhD in Social Work and was a professor at Nipissing University. Both prior to and following her appointment at the university she was a missionary to Zambia and Russia. She had hoped to return to Zambia, however cancer treatment prevented her from going. She still carried on for the Lord here in Canada and had plans for visitations to those in Bethany Lodge nursing home after she moved to Bethany Courts condos in Unionville. The Lord had other plans for her though. Shortly after selling her cottage in Eagle Lake and moving to Bethany, she took ill again and spent several weeks in hospital.

At approximately 6:00pm EST, we received word that Betty's cancer had returned, apparently undetected for some time. She had been given 48 hours to a month to live as cancer had spread throughout her skeletal system and into one lung. Eleven hours after we received the news, the Lord graciously released her from the painful confines of her human body and she is now in His glorious presence.

We were able to visit with her, along with Richard's sister Rachel, just last Saturday. We sang a few hymns and songs for her just before we left. The last one was "In Christ Alone". The last verse of that song is so applicable today.

No guilt in life. No fear in death.
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry, 'til final breath Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of Hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand.
'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

We are in Pennsylvania right now (business trip for Richard) but will be making arrangements to travel back early when we know the funeral arrangements.

We do not sorrow as those who have no hope, for our hope (divine certainty) is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Richard's 30th birthday at Betty's cottage, Eagle Lake. July 16, 2006


Betty's first visit to our home following her cancer treatment.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Those are special memories and lovely thoughts. We are so thankful that you three were able to visit and in a sense, represent those of us who were not able to do so. Sorry I won't see you all, but glad that Daddy will be there and will have, together with the pain and realization, the joy of memories and getting to see each of you. With very much love - mother xoxo