Eva got her wings today.
My sister-in-law Eva, left this world today. She was sixty nine.
I only knew Eva for about half of her life. She was nice, soft spoken, god-fearing, faith filled and a strong family woman.
Her only child, her daughter Elaine survives her.
I often have felt over the years that she never really got a fair shake in life. By that, I mean it seems like she had to endure a lot of pain and that life didn't give her many breaks. I often felt like she was often made fun of more than she should be and not taken seriously enough. That people didn't think she had much to offer, or that her opinion wasn't truly valued. I never really understood why.
Eva had a big heart. A huge heart. I sensed she was in awe of god's creations, in awe of technology, and of people in general. She respected all, and seemed a little short on confidence.
Besides her father and brother who loved her dearly, I never really saw that there was a man there for her to love her and hold her up. This is all just an observation, on my part.
She was a woman of strength. She was a worker. She labored hard for her employeer, and, indeed, it also bothered me that her employeer didn't appreciate her enough and that her efforts weren't so well compensated for.
Eva's strength came from God, and from her family. She did smile a lot, and she smiled the most when I saw her at simple family gatherings for birthdays, holidays and celebrations. She was often happy when she was at church. She loved church. Like her mother and father, she truly loved God, and her family.
My peace comes from this: I've seen many strong women in my life, who found a way to survive on this earth, without a lot of help from an earthly man. She provided for herself and for her child, and gave to her church as much as she could, much more so than most.
Eva, I'm sorry I didn't do more for you. You showed me so much love and admiration, and treated me so kindly. And now as you have been lifted up into heaven, into your position of honor in Gods Choir, I feel I understand you so much more. In my minds eye, I can see you so clearly there beside the throne, beaming and smiling like a student at graduation.
You kept your treasures in your heart, and in heaven. Your deposits weren't made at the bank, but with the heavenly father. Now he's lifted away your prison, your tired body. You are soaring in a very high place, with beautiful robes, and with a bright, bright light.
I thank you for accepting me with my flaws and allowing me to be part of your earthly and your spiritual family.
(note, for those who don't know Eva, she was my ex-wifes sister)
