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Memories of Elizabeth19th November 1941 - 4th August 2004This is the day that none of us wanted --- yet we have known it was inevitable as it is in every life. Now our thoughts and feelings are all mixed up. For ourselves we are hurting and naturally so as we would be strange people indeed as daughters, sons in law, granddaughters, friends and neighbours if there were no tears – but let’s stop for a moment or two and think of Elizabeth—all she was and for ever will be, all she has done over the years, all the help she has given to so many and all the good and happy memories we have of earlier days—remembering in particular the courage and bravery she has shown in these last 18 months—the parting with John and her own health situation the decisions and the suffering ----all thankfully now ended. but I want to concentrate on the lessons she has taught us especially during this time.
On 21 June Elizabeth sent this poem written by Joyce Grenfell to an email friend Judy in Oklahoma—it is typical of Elizabeth and it is true. It is called--- If I should go before the rest of you Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice But be the usual selves that I have known Weep, if you must Parting is hell But life goes on, So sing as well. © copyright: Rev. Susan Cowell, August 2004 "Elizabeth" A week past Saturday Elizabeth said to me “I’m tired”. Today she is at rest, and sad and horrible though it is for us, to know she is at peace, is comfort indeed. A minister colleague once reminded a family that we had prayed that the pain would go away, and the sickness would stop, and today these prayers are answered. Of course we would rather that Elizabeth was here but we do know that she and John are reunited welcomed and received into the very presence of God. Now why was Elizabeth tired?—why is anyone tired?—because they have run the race overcoming times of ill-health in her younger days, coping with the sudden loss of John and magnificently winning through hospital appointments and worse these last 18 months ---- she deserves some rest. You are tired if you have worked hard and made good use of the talents you have been given. Elizabeth has—in supporting her husband in bringing up her family, in the housework and home-making, in her gifts and talents in sewing and needlework it’s time for a rest. Service to others and in the community Looking after the garden, feeding the birds, involved in nature surveys, in caring for the various family dogs particularly Shadow and giving a respite home to Guide Dogs. service in the Lord’s work through PSALM writing words and music, for the Bible Society over many years as a collector and office bearer, in correspondence round-the-world by email and with special friends and near hands. Of course in her life and living she was well supported, encouraged and loved by John and in due time Fiona and Barbara and then Ian and Pat and now the family dynasty including Sheenagh and Katherine, Douglas, Callum, Angus and Scott not forgetting little Alasdair--- you were not only the greatest of encouragers, constant sources of love but also providers of help, great interest and enjoyment whether in Symington, Northern Ireland or Dubai the phone, the email, the visits, the postcards and the outings the stories and the happenings brightened each day. Of course for ourselves we are sad but for her it is far better so we must not be selfish or clingy but rather release her to Father God knowing that in his care she is safe at rest and at peace. This page displayed 1012 times  
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