Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Saying Goodbye
When life is as fully lived as Mom's, memories are many. Ursula did much, learned much, gave much, loved much and touched lives in ways that only they and God will know. Each of you will remember her in your own way. We take so much for granted in this brief life together on earth. In time we do learn to appreciate how very precious and treasured the everyday, simple things, just being, make life meaningful. Mom lived in the present not worrying about tomorrow, or fretting for the past, for God is the pilot.
In the final months of Mom's life, she spoke of many people and experiences as they occurred to her. The thoughts often seemed random and disconnected. Speaking of them seemed to help place them in a safe niche of her unreliable memory for safe keeping. These spanned most of her 81 years and the many places she lived across the country - from Alberta to Quebec. There were recollections of times of laughter, sadness, challenges, over silliness with family, with parents and siblings, children and grandchildren and of heartache you think will never end.
Faith, family, fun, integrity, nature and creativity were core to her life. And hockey.
Mom was first generation Canadian, born in Winnipeg, her Pastor father, Opa and Oma raised their family in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Mom moved to the Sault in 1958, the first couple married at Zion Lutheran Church after the dedication of this building. She was a winter lover, Canadian at heart and although she settled in Ontario for the latter 55 years of her life - she would always be a prairie chicken. Her favourite season was autumn, and Mom walked. Rainy streets of Winnipeg, in the woods on the carpet of brilliant maple leaves, on St. Joeseph Island... with anyone who would go with her.
Learning was always important to Ursula. She taught in a little country school, was valedictorian of the graduating class from her psychiatric nursing college, which probably prepared her for the job later with the Ministry of Corrections - and raising her children. Two generations would follow her to Algoma University, doing so while a dedicated single parent.
After the Bible, the Oxford English Dictionary was the other most read book in her home. She loved words, and encouraged us to use the right words to say accurately what we meant. "If you don't know what it means, look it up."
Mom was a happy child, a happy adult and knew how to have fun. She laughed a lot, played a lot, no matter what challenges were before her. One thing that distressed her most of late was the great effort it took for her to be cheerful in the face of her suffering - pain that never went away and especially vision loss. She couldn't see the chickadees feeding under the cedar, the wildflowers in the field, or the features of your face. Yet she would have the doctor or her sister laughing. And her eyes are still smiling.
Mom expressed her love for her Father in Heaven by offering her gift of service in the church and the community. Her Zion and St. Mark's families were so near and dear to her heart. From Bible studies to choir practice to the women gathered together, to her life-changing trip to Israel, you shared your faith in service and that meant the world to her. She always believed that we all have something of value to give. A simple gesture of kindness meant the world to someone else. Love one another was something she took to heart every day.
There are many stories of her life we could share, but we have chosen to do that with pictures and privately. She was that way. What we will remember is her steadfast commitment to what she valued and believed, qualities that touched lives of family, friends and complete strangers. She respected and cared for every person: inmate, patient, friend, grandchild, co-worker, godson, daughter, brother, neighbour or surrogate sister. She generously, and often quietly, gave her time, kindness, wisdom, encouragement and compassion to anyone. To Ursula, at that moment in her presence, you were the most important person in the world. As you are here today, keep that in your heart. You are still the most important person in the world to her in this moment.
What does she leave us with? Learn something at every opportunity, pray often, do your best and most of all grow your faith and relationship with God, for that will be your strength and guide for life. Life will be as it should if we step out of God's way and allow His will to be done in our lives. And always be true to yourself, remember to have fun, your life is your tapestry, your gift back to God and those around you.
The siblings and their offspring are still scattered across Canada and not able to be here with us today. We keep them wrapped in our loving hearts and through our prayers. They are in spirit with us here.
Mom and Oma. In your final days you prayed to be free of the pain and suffering and He heard you. Jesus loves you, this you know. We love you, this you know. And although we will miss you, we will embrace you and hold you ever close in our hearts.
Rest well Child of God. And as you wished, you are going home.
Much love.
Grace, Rachel, Kyle, Christine and Cynthia
