Dear John and Judy, I'm very sorry to read of the sad loss of your beloved Mom, and I want to offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please accept my condolences without being offended, as I don't know you; but I hope that you will find some comfort in these verses. Acts 24:15 promises, "that there is going to be a resurrection.' Our loving God doesn’t cause sad things to happen to our loved ones, as James 1:13 helps us to understand, ‘When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.’” 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 speaks of God as “the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our tribulation.” 1 Peter 5:7 lets us know that we can “throw all our anxiety upon (God), because he cares.” And Isaiah 65:17b tells us that the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart.” - Thus the heartbreak that we experience now, won’t even be remembered after Jehovah God resurrects our loved ones; thereby undoing the sad effects of death and the pain being separated from them brings. Death is like sleep. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus said: "Lazarus our friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep." Jesus' disciples did not understand what he meant. They replied: "Lord, if he has gone to rest, he will get well." The Bible account explains: "Jesus had spoken, however, about his death. But they imagined he was speaking about taking rest in sleep. At that time, therefore, Jesus said to them outspokenly: 'Lazarus has died.'" -John 11:11-14. The dead will be resurrected. When Jesus arrived at Lazarus' hometown, he consoled Martha, Lazarus' sister, by saying: "Your brother will rise." Jesus then made this profound promise: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me even though he dies, will come to life." Jesus' promise was not mere empty words. In front of many eyewitnesses, Jesus resurrected Lazarus, although he had been dead four days. -John 11:23, 25, 38-45. Jesus also resurrected a young man, the only son of a widow, and a 12 yr. old girl; and so we know that he has the power to resurrect our loved ones too in the future when the time comes for the resurrection! - (Luke 7:11-17; Luke 8:40-56) Revelation 21:4 tells of the time when no one will ever die again; thus no more mourning or sadness, "And (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And no sickness of any kind as Isaiah 33:24 promises, “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’ Older ones will grow young again as Job 33:25 promises, "Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him (her) return to the days of his (her) youthful vigor." Loved ones will be resurrected, and welcomed back to life by loving family and friends right here on the earth in the midst of peaceful, beautiful, paradise conditions, as Psalms 37:10, 11, 29 tell about, “And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.” - We can have the opportunity to live together forever in perfect peace, health, and happiness with our loved ones! Jesus taught his followers to pray: “Our Father in the heavens, . . . Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” - Matthew 6:9, 10 - When God’s Kingdom comes, there will be no more death on the earth, just as there is no death in heaven! I hope that you are able to find comfort in your memories, perhaps by looking at pictures, and I hope that these and other verses will help too. Romans 15:4 tells us, "For all the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. To consider more of the Bible's beautiful promises, please visit www.jw.org If you look near the top on the site and click on 'publications' then in the second row is a small tract, "Can the dead really live again?" It's very comforting. Take care, Sincerely Yours, Cindy Boyer

Thank you, John, for creating this lovely site in memory of our mother. It has helped me to remember the many friends she had and the unique life she lived, and how, through her, they have also deeply enriched our lives as well. You have captured her spirit by showing us what she has loved, reminding us of her humor and wit, her abiding loyalty, her interests and affections. It is a warm and touching tribute, and a testimony to the many joys that filled her life. "Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands." Linda Hogan, poet Your sister, Judy

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.