Author: Ron Baker

“I’m a widower.  I don’t know what that means.”

This phrase has been on my lips the last few days.  As I rode back from my wife’s death bed, my son heard this repeated.  I’ve mentioned it more than once to friends.

Bruce Gibson, our piano tuner, talked about his mother of 91.  She had lost her first husband at 75 years of age.  She remarried and a short time ago, her current husband, who as97, passed away. 

The other day she was to head out with her children.  They looked at her and said, “You’re not wearing any makeup!”  They didn’t know their mother without makeup.  In some ways, she didn’t know herself at this point.

But her mind was sharp and her spirit undaunted.  She turned and headed back to apply makeup, saying, “You’re right.  I’m single again!”

Life can pull us down or remind us that makeup isn’t a bad thing!

Remarks at end of Jill Baker’s funeral service – May 22, 2012

Thanks to each of you here today – some traveled for miles, some took time off work, some just had to walk a few blocks! Over the years, I have known this day was coming – you have made it special! All of you are treasured.

Thanks to the team who worked to put this service together. Actually, in keeping with Jill this was more a time to “talk fast” and “sing lots”! The participants did not come as ministers, although they are. They did not come as professionals, although this is as close as you get! They came in tribute to Jill – but even more so, to shine light on Jill’s God. Thank you, all!!

Jill was always one to serve others. In keeping with her desires and in light of her unique medical history, her body has been donated to Science through the University of Saskatchewan.

We soon learned that many could not be here today. Prince Albert residents had planned on renting a bus and joining us today. But some could not come. We have planned a memorial service in P.A. on Monday, June 4^th, at 7:00 at the Prince Albert Alliance Church. My mother-in-law could also not be here, so another memorial service is being planned in Belleville on the Father’s Day weekend.

For those in Jesus, death is the easy part. There is no sting in death. Life is the challenge!!

I pondered over what I would say was Jill’s life motto. Here is a feeble attempt to reflect that:

· May I know and walk with God as my primary appetite in life.

· May I smother those around me with the gravy of love.

· May I live like I could die tomorrow – and so, share my heart with others until I have no heart left to share.

· And when I am done, may my life be merely a reflection of Jesus love through me!

God orchestrates when we least expect.

One of the musicians for tomorrow’s memorial service (Tuesday at 2:00 at the Alliance church) was about to text me, I phoned him.  At exactly the same time!

We had been deciding on a final piece.  “You are my everything” by Steve Bell was a possibility.

Randy was going to text that he and Connie (his wife) would sing this song.  At exactly the same time, my sister-in-law was reading from Jill’s journal the following:

February 12, 2012   . . . I was getting tired again. Just sat and watched TV all the rest of the day. Trying to breath deeper.

Each day at a time, Lord.

Give me daily strength

In the morning, Lord, we do come to you

For the strength we need just to make it through

Have Mercy,

In the evening Lord we look back and say

It was in your strength that we made our way

Have Mercy,

You are our everything we need

Help us, Lord

You are our everything we need

Help us, Lord

– Steve Bell

Jill was quoting the song that Randy and Connie will sing tomorrow. 

God is in control!!

Found in the margin of Jill’s Bible – Philippians 1:23-26

“Is this why I live?”

I desire to depart  and be with Christ, which is better by far;  but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.