We shared a long journey with mom, one of happy and fun moments, the moments we choose to remember.  Laughter and story telling at dinner, badminton "tourneys' every summer in our back yard, camping across Canada coast to coast and cross country skiing every winter, with a thermos of soothing cocoa always ready for us.  Card and board games on a Saturday night or in the front seat of our car on long journeys.  Silly practical jokes to add some zest to the moment.  Dresses and home decor lovingly made by skilled hands.  Listening to her piano playing in the background while we played at home.  A subtle but strong determination to persevere in her faith in God despite obstacles and mistakes.  There are many positive family times laced with mom's smile, her "joie de vivre" and love of laughter and people.  Even later in her life as she deteriorated, her smile never faded.  Moments still were made and although of a different nature, are just as special, just as cherished.  Holding her hand reassuringly, brushing her soft, full hair and painting her nails.  Reading her bible verses or stories and taking her for walks on a bright summer day.  Sitting by the pond with her as a soft breeze blew in the warmth of the sun, the swans swimming serenely by.  Describing such settings to her while holding her hands.  Her love of music remained full and alive until the very end.  We remember her humming along to a catchy tune at hymn sing and smiling as we serenaded her with silly kids' songs.  Music and being around people continued to spark her spirit.  Now she's living that for eternity and finally free to fully savour and enjoy every new moment with every part of her being, the way we'll always treasure our moments with her and look forward to sharing them with her again one day.  We're thankful for that hope we have in Jesus.  We're thankful for the journey you shared with us, mom, a journey that really, is only just continuing.  It's a new chapter for you that's just beginning and we're so happy for you.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. "  2 Timothy 4:7