Oma

Today it has been six years since Oma went to Heaven. I still remember that day. It is permanently etched in my mind. Dad was in Holland, and the three of us kids had just arrived home from shopping at Wegmans with Mom. The phone rang, and I answered it. It was Papa. He asked me if I was strong…if I could be brave. I knew at that second that something was wrong.
In my 14-year-old mind I couldn’t grasp the reality of death, even though we knew Oma was dying of cancer. How can the human mind conceive that the life of one you love so dearly can be snatched away? Death…it is so unnatural. It was never meant to be.
Mom got on the phone. We quickly took our macaroni-and-cheese dinners from the oven, and got in the van. Mom dropped us off at Aunt Erica’s house where our other cousins were being babysat. Pastor Craig and Mrs. Craig came to see us briefly and to pray with us. Dad flew in from Holland that night and was also there when Mom picked us up. We got home late.

I turned 15 the following day. And everything after that is a blur in my memory.

Now, looking back, I’m very glad that Oma’s suffering has ended, even though it was so hard to let her go. She is safely in the loving arms of the Lord. We will meet one day soon. I miss you, Oma!

This is a poem I wrote last year and changed slightly.

Thinking About Home

On entering those splendid gates of gold,

There are two dear faces I so long to behold.

The first is of Jesus, my Savior, oh see!

He died in my stead on an old rugged tree.

The second is of Oma, now Home for six years.

Her passing brought so many sorrowful tears.

I miss her much more than words could ’er say,

But never again on that triumphant day.

O happy reunion, I’ll hug her so tight.

Praise God, ’tis the very end of the fight.

For death will be conquered, the grave overwon.

Then we’ll all gather round the throne of the Son.

For the first time to hear the sound of His voice;

The thought makes my heart to leap and rejoice.

Forever in the light of His glory to be,

Sweet Heaven, oh beautiful land of the free!

~ Hannah L. Huussen

Rest easy, dear Oma, in the gentle arms of Jesus.

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

Job 19:25, 26