Aunt Emma tried to teach me how to make and bake bread. Her first frustration was that I had not learned from my mother. So, she knew she had to have patience. It was an afternoon in our home in Scottsdale, with her good friend Vy looking, and laughing on. It must have taken 2 hours to get the wrist action down. And even then it wasn't satisfactory for her. She had to finish the job. That was her way, it was going to be done correctly. No one could receive greater love than from her. However, it was often laced with some biting humor that was to the point and deserved. But since you knew her, it just made one love her more. My heart goes out to you all, she reminded me so much of my mother. In fact, when I first showed my wife Carol her picture, Carol thought it was my mother. Aunt Emma came from a wonderfully long line of great people out of Grandpa and Grandma Vander Wal, we have so much to be thankful from them and for them. God Bless you with solace and strength, it is not easy to let her go, not even for me.
Their are so many great memories with your Mom AND your Dad Mark! When I heard of Emma's death I felt a rush of good feelings, memories & her infectious smile! We enjoyed their ability to "book end" our children in the pews at Arlington. We still remember that cold and snowy night when Emma in her snow suit road in on a snowmobile to help with - as the Arlington Son said "An Ecumenical Birth at the Parsonage!" Emma stayed through the night holding our son and keeping an eye on his vitals. Indeed the quintessential caregiver! I know she'll be missed by your family and others that got to know her through this life - may you find peace in knowing she will never be forgotten! I'll leave you with my favorite quote of the season:
"His Star was bright enough to pierce the darkness of his day - our day is dark enough to need the brightness of his star!" quote as found in 'Christmas is for Celebrating'
by Bishop Melvin E Wheatley
Blessings to your family this Christmas Season and always, Rick