This August 7th I was able to go with my mom to a funeral to celebrate the life of sweet Hannah Rowe. Our family has known her since before I was born and I have several memories of her- all make me smile and feel good inside. Hannah was an incredible example- a woman of faith, love, kindness and service. I've been thinking of her and her husband Charles and want to write down a few of these memories that I am so grateful to have.
Memories:
I was reminded at the funeral that I was 10 when Charles passed away. Really, there is only one strong memory I have of him, but I can remember it like it was yesterday. He had lost his eyesight toward the end of his life but despite that, at church on Sundays he would make a point to put his hands on my cheeks, stare toward my face and tell me what a "beautiful young lady" I was. I remember how good that made me feel even though I knew he couldn't see me at all. He was trying to let a young lady know how special she was and well, it worked.
He had to be a special guy, being married to Hannah. I don't recall one time I ever heard Hannah get upset and it was mentioned at the funeral that she didn't ever complain much. I think her heart was double sized and I know Mom would agree. Mom was given the opportunity to take care of her Sunday nights for the past year. I wish I had gone with her more but when I did get to go,
I felt the spirit of our Heavenly father there in that little house. I am so glad Jeff was able to come and sit with all us gals for a dinner time and meet her.
I am so thankful for parents who taught my siblings and I the principle of
service and its importance. They led us by example, and I soon realized those opportunities that would come to us to help blessed my life as much as the person being served. I am not saying I never complained (because there were definitely times), but those lessons mean a lot to adult me, especially the times at Hannah's. The house Charles built for them is the house Hannah stayed in until she passed away- an acre of land stretched out behind the little house and I can remember spending some time out there. It seemed a whole lot bigger to me then and I remember running around and letting my imagination turn it into several different places. I remember my dad bringing his ladder and chainsaw to trim down trees and then my brothers and I puting on some well worn-in work gloves and giant safety glasses to help him clean up.
But probably my very favorite memory is when we would bring cookies to Hannah. My family always makes sugar cookies for the holidays and for many years would put plates together and deliver them during Christmas and sometimes Halloween. We took them to neighbors and other elderly friends. At Hannah's my brothers and I would ring the doorbell, remind each other again what Christmas song we were singing, and then wonder if she wasn't home before Mom reminded us to just wait. Sure enough she always made it to the door and invited us in with a big grin. Her house was always really warm since it was small and she had a pretty good size fire going in the fireplace. We would sit on her couch and talk to her for a little while. We usually had to remind her of who we were and which twin was which, but we didn't mind because she was just
so happy we were there. She would
always show her gratitude by following us out the door, waving and smiling at us as we drove off.
Funeral Services:
When I opened the email from my Mom letting me know Hannah had passed, my heart sunk a little. But, that sadness was very quickly replaced with comfort and happiness as I reminded myself of what I know. There was no room in my mind for sadness when I pictured Hannah reuniting with her eternal companion in Heaven. What a joyous picture. I have a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the principles taught within the gospel. God's Plan of Salvation teaches us that death is anything but the end and that we can all see each other once again. I'm grateful for this opportunity that allowed me to draw on the testimony I have and let it be strengthened. From then on, I was able to look at this situation in a different light. Hannah's funeral would be a celebration of a great life and a temporary goodbye.
The opening song was 'Teach me to walk in the Light.' The second verse reads:
Come, little child, and together we'll learn
of His commandments, that we may return
Home to His presence, to live in His sight-
Always, always
to walk in the light.
Later, Sister Jill Homer, sang 'I am a child of God.' You know how each of us have those childhood memories, that when reminded of them, are taken back to a certain place and feel all warm and cozy? Well, I have such fond memories of listening to her sing in church growing up- and sitting there that day listening to her beautiful rendition of that primary song warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
Scripture from Proverbs was mentioned:
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
..."Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her at the gates."
I must agree with Brother Pike who said he knows Hannah was indeed embraced by her Savior and praised at the gates of Heaven.
I hope I can be as wonderful a woman as Hannah was. Even into her late age, she strapped on some sturdy tennis shoes underneath her pretty Sunday dress and made sure she got to church. She was always kind and appreciative and seemed to find joy in the simplest of things. I also look forward to being able to teach my kids- as my parents have taught me- so that they too can learn the joys of being of service to another.
See you in Heaven Hannah. :)
