Family News 2019

at the same time she felt incapable of facing life on her own in her apartment again. Dad was a ‘larger
than life’ kind of person and the gap he left just seemed too large to fill. Mom was always encouraged
by Psalm 91: “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge.” She referred to this
verse as ‘God’s Featherbed promise’. So at this point she decided she was ready to begin her heavenly journey
home. Debbie joined us and helped with the task of taking care of the administrative aspects.
Mom and I shared very sweet times of fellowship together in her last two months. We spent each day
reading together, or listening to uplifting music. She was content and very much at peace. Debbie
rejoined me after Mom had peacefully passed away and we laid her to rest right next to Daddy on
September 23rd at the Military Cemetery. Mom was given a Nurses Honor Guard, which gives tribute to
the service Nurses offer. So while this was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I was also filled
with a sense of harmony that she was with her Heavenly Father and joined again with Daddy.
Debbie and I tied up all the loose ends and closed a 43-year chapter of Mom and Dad’s lives based in
Arizona. I myself had lived there for 12 years and there was a real sense of finality for me. We still have
really cherished friendships in Arizona and without them I would never have coped. So many aspects of
support were shared with Debbie and I and we are grateful God allowed them to minister to us during
this difficult time. From transportation to housing and hospitality, we were showered with love and
support. I was also blessed with being able to join a Dragon Boat Team for their practices at Tempe
Town Lake several times a week. This helped me immensely during this difficult time in Arizona.
Upon my return home to Cape Town, after a 9-week absence, I sadly received further news of my cancer
metastasizing. New lesions have been found on my skull and spine and treatment will include radiation
to my spine and a course of oral chemo therapy.
But in the midst of loss and sadness, God has blessed us with having our family here with us. Having
our son in law Hunter and daughter Andrea, with Grandsons Jeremy and Joshua living in Cape Town,
and having all our adult children still around is such a comfort. So very many of our South African
peers have adult children now living in all corners of the Globe. They hardly ever see their children
and grandchildren any more.
Thank you for your generous friendship, love and support. I am grateful to each and everyone one of
you who take the time to pray for us and to write notes of encouragement. Despite the weariness of this
year, I look forward with hope and anticipation at all God will choose to use us for in His Service.
May the peace only Christ can offer be yours as you celebrate His Incarnation.
— LENORA HAMMOND