For Karen

My Darling Karen

Next week Tuesday, 23rd March is your birthday and you would be 34 years old. I still have the vivid image of us laughing together on the morning of your last day with me! Do you remember? You were so excited about the Christmas dinner that you were to attend for your company’s year end. Your excitement was also flamed with the fact that Marcel was on a weekend pass and was visiting us. I remember lying in bed the previous night and hearing the two of you laughing and joking, so happy to see one another again. What I did not know, was that it would be the last time I would hear that ever so contagious laugh.

What can I say? I have no words, as they all choke up inside of me, and melt into tears of a mother’s emptiness at the loss of her daughter. It has been 17 years, and still, I try to see you in a crowd, imagine I hear your voice, and many times feel your presence around me. You were so precious to us, the bubbly one, who always smiled through the storms and helped everyone around you!

I remember your call at 10am that fateful morning of 26^th November 1993, and you last words still ring in my heart “Ok mommy, love you lots.” These were always you last words to us.

I get this awful feeling inside of me when I think that next year you will be gone from us longer than you lived! This is such a frightening thought … but mommy wants you to know that we have that blessed assurance, that you are safe, in the place Jesus promised to go and prepare for us.

Remember the night God allowed me to see where you are? It was the most striking experience I have ever had in my life. You looked so beautiful, so full of peace and the light and power that emanated from you was astounding! I then knew what it meant in the Bible about an earthly body and a heavenly body. I could clearly see and feel that you had shed the corruptible earthly body for the incorruptible heavenly body. You were amazing, and I stood in awe of what I saw.

I remember the mansion you were in, called Mizpah (meaning May the Lord watch between you and me while we are absent one from another) I recall the magical music all around me, the beauty indescribable and when I woke from this vision – Our Father gave me total peace about where you were.

In April 2002, Tasha, Evonne and I had you moved from Midrand cementry, to have you buried alongside daddy in Pietersburg cementry. It felt good to have you together.

Karen, we miss you so much, but everyone is doing well. We have moved on from the pain, to precious memories of you and carry you in our hearts. You will always be with us, no matter what. Your life was one of total commitment to your Lord and Saviour an example to us and your deeds were a testimony to all.

Happy Birthday my precious, sweet Karen

Love you lots

Mommy