Mom, the Lord gave me life through you. I am the man who I am because Mom, you laid the foundations for me from a young age. You introduced me to Jesus; you taught me the value of working hard and the joy of celebrating in the happiness of others. You showed us what it takes to love unconditionally. Forgiveness was never far and grace was given even if it was not earned.
Mom, you loved Dad like no one else. The 2 of you were an example to everyone that met you. You were a walking example of becoming one in marriage. You served Dad tirelessly and worked as a team to feed thousands. Your love for each other was visible for friends and strangers alike. You and Dad prayed for us every day and I know what a joy it was to just have the ability to give your children a call. You showed us how to support each other and how to take care of each other. You and Dad had the ability to help us kids to have self believe and tackle life with confidence. You and Dad showed us how to live in dependence upon the Lord and how to have peace and contentment even when life was hard. Faith was never far away and you were not afraid to believe for miracles.
As a future dad, the 2 of you have taught me how to raise my own kid. You were an example of how to support your children and one of the biggest lessons that you taught me was that every decision has a consequence. Mom, you allowed Dad to attend all my rugby games and to be there for everything else I did. I learned the importance of not being an absent father when our own little bundle of joy will see the light. Your example will live in the future through us. I pray that us, as your children, will live your legacy and continue to build it for the future. I know you were so excited about the baby that is on its way. I am sad that you will never be able to hold your first grandchild, but I am glad that you at least knew the feeling of being an expecting Granny. We will make sure that the little one will know about his or her Granny.
Mom, you loved it when people had fun and were enjoying themselves. You had the gift of hospitality like no one else. Mom, nothing gave you more joy than seeing people enjoying your food. That is why so many people always talked about your food, because you cooked it with care and passion. You lived your life with an open hand and always had something to give even when you could not afford it, but you always said that there is so much blessing in giving.
Mom, you taught me how to organize, how to think proactive and plan ahead. Mom, you taught me how to be flexible and always keep my eye on the goal. You taught me everything about work ethics and to work for the Lord and not be bothered about praise. The importance to live my live in front of the throne of God and not people was one of most important lessons learned. You were an example of what a servant should be. You served tirelessly, with contentment and many times above and beyond what was expected.
Mom, we will miss you. We have lost a pillar in our lives, a prayer warrior. We have lost an example of the heart of God. When the Lord picked you to be my Mother, He knew what he was doing. We will always think of you with love and joy. We will cry many times still in the future, because you have left a hole in our lives, but we know you are happy where you are now. We know that you are experiencing perfect joy and love because you are with our Lord and Savior. One day we will all be united again, but until then we will have the security that you are with the Father.
Thanks for sharing your Mother’s beautiful and inspirational life testament Jumbo. God gave life to your Mother, and used her to bring Him glory. In His goodness, He blessed your Mom, and He used her to bless her husband, children and many many others touched by God’s love and grace through her. May the loss you grieve be overflowed with the abundance of joy and peace you receive in return as you remember your Mom.
For all the kids you shared your Mom with Thank You. She touched many and loved them well. Your next meal with her will be amazing.
A precious tribute, Jumbo. What a godly legacy you have in your mom! Aren’t we thankful that there are no real good-byes for those who are in Christ?! Praise Him!
Lorie Newman
I shed a tear today for a woman I had not known.
Your life sings the song of the values she bestowed upon you.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute. I am broken inside for your loss.
Very good. What a picture I see of her celebrating with Jesus… she loved you Jumbo, and you loved her… what a life!!
Im so sorry for your Loss Jumbo! Your mother sounds like she was an absolute God send! You most definitely carrying out the work that the Lord has entrusted to your family. God Bless!
What a beautiful tribute Jumbo! I wish we could’ve met her because it sounds like she was one amazing Godly woman. May God continue to give you what you need during this time. Blessings!
Jumbo,
Thanks for sharing these words with all of us. We saw a glimpse of the woman that she was as she so tirelessly fed our team on our first visit to Swaziland. We also get a glimpse of who she was as we see you live out the calling of God on your life. We are praying for peace and comfort for you and your family as you live out the legacy she left behind.
Laura
Wow, Jumbo beautifully written. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Praying for you guys.
Loads of love to you and Kriek.
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. We never met your mother, but knowing you and your love for our Awesome God and those precious children in Swaziland, we see her living through you, how blessed you were to have such a wonderful mother. Jesse & I lost our mothers in 2008 six weeks apart.As you know, we too will be with our mothers one day & what a wonderful promise that is. We are praying for you & your family and yours & Kriek’s little one.
Our love to you.
Jesse & Carolyn
Thanks for sharing this Jumbo–a really beautiful tribute to your mom. We’re praying for you guys on this side! Please let us know if there’s anything we can be doing for you here in Swazi.
Hi Mattys, my hart gaan uit vir jou,jou gesin en jou familie. Jou ma was ‘n wonderlike, dierbare vrou – ‘n voorbeeld vir ons. Sterkte vir julle. God sal julle hierdeur dra, julle moet nou meer vertrou as ooit! So jammer om te dink haar werk op aarde is klaar, maar nou is sy by haar Vader! In julle harte sal sy altyd wees! Sterkte die hele Kuruman sal haar mis.
Jumbo your words are perfect. You have honored her so well. She was very proud of you. Thank you for the pictures. I was hoping for this as I grieve alongside of you. What a relief to see her face and to see your family. My heart is hurting big time for you and your family right now. Sorry we aren’t there. My prayers for you all are unceasing. I see the Lord’s strength and comfort is carrying you. Blessed be the name of the LORD.
What a great tribute, Jumbo. We are praying for you and your family.
Nice job Jumbo. One beautiful part of this is that she is indeed leaving a legacy. She’s modeled for you how to love your own children and raise them with the heart of a champion. She’s left you with an amazing gift.
And you have been a good son. The life you are living gives honor to her and I know she was so proud of you.
Praying for you guys on this side – that the tribute to the greatness of our God in her will bring Him glory tomorrow and so many gather to honor her life.
Beautiful! What a remarkable woman indeed!
Jumbo,
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. You mom’s legacy lives on in you.
My precious Jumbo,
What an incredible tribute to your mother!!! My heart grieves with you and Kreik!! I will grieve with you and rejoice that your mom is now with her Daddy!!! (She has probably already served HIM Filet de Boof!!!)
I love you guys so much and I am keeping you close in my heart in this time of loss!!
Love,
Carol and Scott
Jumbo,
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. You are in our prayers
Well said Jumbo, thank you for sharing. Please know that we love you and are praying for you and your family.
With Love,
Mark and Allison
WOW! What a beautiful tribute of the impact your mother had on you and all around her. A life well lived is not measured by the years we live, but what we do with the years given to us. When our earthly live comes to a close, the most important things are “who you love, how you loved, and what you’ve done for Christ.” What an abundant life overflowing with love and joy! In more ways that you will realize, she lives on in and through you. Many the memories of her that now bring you tears, turn to joy as you celebrate her life. We will continue to pray for God’s hands give you peace and comfort in your grief.
Your U.S.A. prayer warriors,
Beth and Jim
this is the most beautiful tribute to a mother I have ever read. it is written so deep from your heart, my sweet brother…the time I spent with your mother, one thing was very clear, the greatest honor of her life, was having you as a SON! she adored you, she could not hide her pride…she was truly beautiful in every way a woman can be, and she made everyone she spent time with feel their value, and a mothers’ love…
you were so blessed to have her as your mom, and you will continue to bless her legacy…by being the man you are, and raising your little one as she taught you..
love you and my sister more than you know,
Lisa
That was so beautiful Jumbo. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God give you guys comfort and peace.
Absolutely beautiful. Sounds like your mom was a special lady…a gift indeed! Y0ur family is blessed. Praying for you as you draw on the Lord during this difficult journey.
love and prayers
Brenda
Jumbo that was a beautiful tribute to your mom. She was an amazing woman, thank you for sharing her with all of us. Love you and Kreik, you are both in my prayers.
A beautiful tribute. What a legacy!
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman.
What a wonderful tribute to your mother! You’ll be in our prayers.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom, Jumbo! You continue to be in my prayers as your mourn this tremendous loss. Love to you and Kriek.
What a beautiful tribute, Jumbo.
I look forward to meeting your Mom. Having eternity together, perhaps she can teach me how to cook. It would take eternity… 😉
Peace to you + Kriek. xo
Hey Jumbo
Die woorde het my en seker so baie mense geraak.Jou ma is die een persoon aan wie ek dink in al ons diensjaar tye op Kuruman.Sy was so n perfekte voorbeeld van hoe n vrou kon wees.
Baie jammer om te hoor en bid vir julle op die pad.