Missing You at Christmas

It has been hard to think of Christmas without you. It seems like just yesterday we were packing our bags to be with you. Even with the pain though, at night I dream of you singing in Heaven's choir and I see your perfect face and beautiful smile radiating peace and love. And I know you will celebrate our Savior's birth with Him this year. That will have to do until I see you again. I love you so much.

Where does the time go?

I am sure anyone reading feels that it is hard to believe that it has been 6 months since we lost a wonderful mother, sister, grandma, grandmama, teacher, coworker, wife, and many more words to describe her. I have to say that the numbness has still yet to wear off for me. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her and wish she were here. But, God is ultimately in control and he decided it was time for her to be His completely. I miss her more than anyone knows and can't wait to share with her the awesome things that have happened since she was gone.
Please take this time to say a prayer for all cancer patients and cancer survivors.

Love,
Monica

Missing You

I can't believe that in just a few short weeks it will be 6 months you have been gone. It's just as fresh and as raw today as it was then.

There isn't a day that goes by that you don't enter my mind; some days it is with a smile knowing that you are dancing with the angels, some days it is with selfish tears and heartache, and some days it is with both.

It's funny the things that trigger it. Today, it was when I was breaking bread for tonight's stuffing for dinner. I thought about calling Mom to see how she makes her stuffing because it is always so good, and I can't emulate it no matter how hard I try. It was then that I thought of you. I got a chuckle thinking back to the days when you first left home and every night at supper time we could count on a phone call...calling to ask Mom how to cook something!

I have thought of you so often when Mel and I talk about her upcoming wedding and move to Tennessee. You've "been there, done that." There are so many things I wish I could talk to you about. You always gave such calming reassurance. You could make me feel like everything is going to be OK even in the face of chaos.

I love you and miss you...my Big D, our Sissy

SISSY'S SONG

DVD

Incredible!

Donna,

Over the weekend I read the book 90 Minutes In Heaven. It was recommended to me by a friend who lost her father over the winter. All I can say, is WOW! The book allowed me a little insight about what you are doing in Heaven. I was blown away by it. I smiled a lot reading it and I cried a lot reading it, but the tears were tears of joy. A day does not pass that I don't think of you and that I don't miss you, but reading that book made me so happy that you are in Heaven. I know that one day I am going to be there and when I do, you're going to be in my celestial welcoming committee, and I can just imagine that you're going to push to the front of the people so that I will see you first.

I love you, Donna, and I miss you...but now when I get that lump in my throat thinking of you it will always be with a smile on my face because I know a little bit of what you're doing.

Bev

But Wait, There's More!

Family, friends old and dear, and memories of Donna and the joy she brought to our lives--it was the perfect Saturday. Donna had been gone from Harford County for over 30 years, but such was the mark she left on all she met that friends even from high school came to share. Thank you to everyone who shared a memory here.

When I got home I wished again, like I do every single day, that I could just ring Donna up in Heaven and chat. I would tell her how we are all doing just fine but miss her so much. It just seems there were so many things left to share--Dad's 75th, Crystal's graduation, that beautiful new granddaughter. I would say "you would've been so proud of Crystal with honors!" and "Kendall looks just like Rachel's baby pictures." And how proud she would have been of Monica, rushing to her sister's side to fill the void. So much joy and yet we miss her so much! And she would listen patiently as I prattled on and then she would say,

"The best is yet to come, Sissy, the best is yet to come!"

Until then...I praise God for filling our hours with such wonder and joy.

Memorial Service

Donna L. Pennington-Sowers

January 12, 1956 – March 21, 2009

The family of Donna Sowers invites you to join with them as they remember and celebrate the life of their beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister

June 6, 2009 - 11:00 a.m.  

Oak Grove Baptist Church

2106 Churchville Road; 

Bel Air, Maryland 21015

Note:  If any of the readers of this blog would like to share a favorite memory of Donna at the memorial, please contact me (email: baw2b@comcast.net).  Also, if you are unable to attend and have a memory you'd like to have shared, please send me an email and I will add it to the program.

Donna is still touching lives!

For those of you who are on facebook, you may have already seen this post on my page. However, I wanted to post it here also for those not on FB.

The background is that our pastor is teaching a seminar entitled Conversational Evangelism. The purpose is to teach you how to share your faith in a manner that is, as the title suggests, just a simple conversation with someone.

Yesterday evening, I had an opportunity to do just that. God used not only the information I picked up at the seminar, but also used Donna. It was totally cool.

I attended the conversational evangelism seminar at OG yesterday afternoon for what I thought was one reason--to record the seminar for later posting on the website. This evening, I discovered God had another reason for me to be there. He had a plan that involved both Donna and that seminar.

You probably remember the note I posted a few weeks ago about Donna entitled, Do You Remember Me? In that note, I talked about the angel necklace I now wear. This evening, I ran into a gentleman who made comment about the necklace. I told him about the background, how it had belonged to my sister and was given to me on the day of her funeral in March. I then explained why I allow it to be tangled with the cross necklace. God then set my brain in motion and the CE seminar information kicked in. I was able to relax and "conversationally evangelize" with this man.

I learned that he was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, which set him off into a world of heavy drinking. He started attending AA and was able to get sober. He talked about how he lost two jobs to his drinking, and now that he is sober is rebuilding his career. He talked about how he found a "higher power." I think he was afraid to mention God, so I did. I told him our hope rests in the Lord. We talked for little bit longer, and then with tears in his eyes he thanked me for talking to him and walked away saying he is learning that there really is hope in the world that he had come to hate so much.

I don't know if I was the "7.6th" time he has been evangelized, or the first, or the tenth. All I do know is that God allowed me the blessing of meeting this stranger and using me as a vessel to show His love.

We never know when God is going to use us. I encourage all of you to attend the CE seminar next week at 4 p.m. in EB3. Sharing your faith does not have to be scary, nor does it have to be "Bible-thumping."

You never know what a simple smile and "hello" to a stranger on the street will lead you.~


bev~

The Bridge of Memory

I sat down this morning to write my thank-you notes (I know...I'm behind, as usual). One of the cards I received from a couple at church made me stop and reflect. The words were just so beautiful and seemed to be written especially for Donna. The ironic thing is that this couple didn't really know Donna. They cannot know exactly how perfectly the card they sent describes her.

The Bridge of Memory

The voice of someone beautiful is silent,
and yet her presence seems so real and clear.
The smile that always filled a room with sunshine
at any time, it seems, could reappear.

With every thought of her,
it seems the sadness becomes a wider,
deeper stream of loss.
Yet, memory builds a bridge of healing comfort,
from here to her, for loving hearts to cross.

Thank you, Lord, for sending friends into our lives who can pick us up and carry us through when we don't have the strength to carry on.

~bev~

Good Day Sunshine!

Okay, I know some of them (the Beetles) weirded out in their old age, but many probably say the same of me. Anyway, I talked to at least 3 people today (not counting myself) who were just having a hard day. On top of bigger issues, it has rained for 40 days and 40 nights (it seems) here, and we all just have the blues. So...like the song says, I need to laugh, and if nothing else, the Beetles "do's" have to bring a smile. Love to all and--Good Day, Sunshine!

He is Risen! Hallelujah!

Thank you Lord for your Son. Thank you Jesus for your gift of life, for the promise and hope you give to all today. Thank you for your open arms dear Lord. For the comfort you bring, the peace and the love. Though our loss is still fresh and our hearts still ache, thank you Lord that we can today rejoice and be at peace knowing our sister's voice rings out in Heaven today. Thank you Lord for your Word, and for the truth of John 3:16, through which we know Donna lives today with You. Others suffer today Lord that do not know you as we do, and we pray this Easter they will find the comfort and solace and peace that only you can provide.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Good Friday

There was great sorrow and travail that day. During the awful physical darkness from noon to 3:00 p.m. (Matthew 27:45), Jesus had cried out in utter anguish: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). The earth itself shook and rumbled as the creation was torn asunder in reaction to the horrific judgment of the Creator for sin (Matthew 27:51).

But then came the victory cry, "It is finished" (John 19:30), and, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). His suffering ended, the payment completed, eternal propitiation accomplished, Jesus laid down His human life to await the great resurrection that God might give "assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31).

The above is taken from the article Why It Was a 'Good' Friday, which can be found in its entirety at http://www.icr.org/article/why-it-was-good-friday/.

As I read those words this morning, thinking of the incredible sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, I was also reminded of Donna. All glory, laud, and honor to the Lord. I am awed and grateful for His sacrifice, paving the way for us to Heaven, so that we can all be together again one day.

Happy "Resurrection" weekend to all,
Bev

Being from the East Coast, I sometimes forget that not everyone experiences the wonder of four distinctly different seasons. Yes, during the dog days of August I yearn for the crisp November evenings...and then in the chill of February I wish I lived in San Diego where it is 70 degrees every day. But for experiencing life in all its forms you can't beat the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter seasons. And that is the way I have always thought of it -- Spring, new life begins in a gentle form, reaching out, yearning to grow, beautiful things blossoming all around. And Summer, bursting with excitement and activity, freedom through vacations from school or work, fun! Then the Fall, when the colors peak and then start to fade, life slows a little, we take more time. Finally, Winter arrives, it is cold, desolate, and death comes to many things.

I always thought of it that way until just now. Sitting here in the post dinner hour, in the quiet and thinking about the coming Easter Sunday. Our first holiday without Donna. Not that she had come home for Easter in the recent years--her home was in Virginia. But we always talked, she would call Mom's or we would call her, and then the great passing of the phone began. Mom, then Dad, through the sisters, then brother, and then each and every niece and nephew within shouting distance got a turn. Maybe just a minute or two for each, but we could really pack some catching up and love into those minutes. I was thinking those silent minutes will stretch across the day and really our lives now. I miss that call already and it is still a week away.

And then I began thinking about something Bev said recently -- that God knew thousands of years ago that Donna would be called home to Heaven on March 21, 2009. He certainly did! The first day of Spring just coming to a close, and the promise of Easter unfolding before us. Donna had reached the final season of her earthly life, but it wasn't winter--it was Spring! And as she left us her new life began, with things so beautiful bursting before her that we can only try to imagine, until we join her.

I know the phone will still be silent and there will be an ache for something else Bev said -- one more, just one more. But we will have to wait, and we can, with joy in our hearts because Jesus kept his promise. The tomb is empty, Spring awaits us in Heaven, and we truly have the peace that passes all understanding. I pray this peace and joy for everyone this Easter.

Love, Jan

Do You Remember Me?

It was March 9, 2009 and a question Donna asked over and over..

Donna had been admitted to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina on December 1, 2008, and 99 days later, she was back in her home state of Virginia. It wasn’t back on the top of Bent Mountain where she lived, but it was at least familiar territory near family and friends. Donna was being returned to Roanoke Memorial Hospital where she spent a significant amount of time in 2007 after being diagnosed with leukemia.

Not healthy enough to ride in car, Donna made the 150 mile trip from Durham to Roanoke Memorial by ambulance, but that couldn’t dim her spirit because she was going "home." She could not wait to be back in Virginia. Donna was on top of the world and felt wonderful. She even somehow convinced the ambulance crew to stop at Wendy’s on the way and buy her some French fries! I will never pass Wendy's again without thinking of you, Donna.

Once she was settled in her room on the oncology ward at Roanoke Memorial, every time she encountered a nurse or caregiver Donna asked the question, “Do you remember me?,” even during the most private of times when a caregiver helped Donna to the bedside commode. After pulling the curtain, the caregiver was going to leave the room to give Donna some privacy. As the caregiver approached the door, from the other side of the privacy curtain she heard Donna call out to her, “Oh, hey, by the way …Do you remember me?” Later that day as Donna rested in bed and visited with one of her daughters, she got a chill. There were never enough blankets to keep Donna warm. Monica asked if she would like a heated blanket. Donna told her that would be nice. Monica got up to go find one, but Donna told her to just sit still and she’d call a nurse. After pushing the call button, a young man answered, “May I help you, Mrs. Sowers?,” to which Donna replied, “Yes…Do you remember me?” I can just picture this young man trying to figure out how he was supposed to remember a voice in the wall, but he kindly said, “Yes, I believe I do.” That excited Donna. The young man listened patiently while Donna talked on and on about how happy she was to be back home, close to her family and friends, and back at Roanoke Memorial. After a bit Donna added, “And, oh yeah…could you bring me a heated blanket?”

Yes, Donna, we remember you. We remember what a loving wife you were, loving your husband as God loves us, even putting up with his “true stores!”

We remember you as the nurturing mother of 5 beautiful daughters, and the grandmother of soon to be 14. No matter what was going on in your life, you always had time for your family.

We remember you as a daughter, a first born. You were the child who taught our parents how to be parents.

We remember you as a sister, our Big D. You cut the path for the rest of us, setting the example, and showing us what being a sibling is all about.

We remember your bright smile and shining eyes; we came to call you Bright Eyes.

We remember your infectious laugh. We remember it because you always laughed twice; once when the punch line was delivered and everyone else was laughing and once all by yourself 20 minutes later when you finally “got it.”

We remember what a good sport you were to let your siblings endlessly pick on you---well, Jan, Carolie, and Dave anyway; I would never be so insensitive and unkind. :-)

Mostly, Donna, we remember you as a faithful, obedient child of God. You always put God first in your life. Your faith never faltered; not even in sickness. You turned your eyes upon Jesus and never looked away.

The morning following your passing was a Sunday morning. My first thought when I awoke was, I’m not going to church today. It was “Celebration Sunday” at Oak Grove and I was not going to go face all those happy, smiling people when I was hurting so deeply inside. Then I remembered you. You never missed an opportunity to worship the Lord. I knew at that moment I was going to church and I was going to celebrate!

The service opened with the preschool and elementary children’s choirs singing. I remembered you, Donna. I remember how much you loved children. You always had time to stop and talk to and hug a child. You loved teaching them and watching their faces as they learned about the Lord.

The service then followed with the congregation singing two songs. We first sang Sunshine in My Soul followed by He Keeps Me Singing. I remembered you, Donna. You loved to sing and used your gift to sing praises to God. The Lord was your sunlight. It was His love that kept you singing.

Dr. Hall then delivered his message. I looked at my outline and the sermon was titled, “Are we at the finish line or the starting line?” I remembered you, Donna. You crossed the finish line of your service here and hit the starting line of your eternity in Heaven. It’s what you lived your life for, every moment of every day.

The scripture reference for the first point of the sermon was 2 Corinthians 8:5…”they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” I remembered you, Donna. That one scripture summed up your entire life. You always gave yourself to the Lord first.

Today I wear two necklaces. The first was put there July 18, 2008. It was a gift from Ken, a representation of his love by giving the symbol of love, the cross of Jesus. The second was placed there on March 24, 2009. It is an angel – a necklace that belonged to you, Donna. Within a short period of time, the two necklaces tangled and intertwined. I reached up to my neck to untangle the chains, but then stopped. I remembered you, Donna. You lived your life much like the angel on my neck, clinging to the cross of Jesus. I left the necklaces tangled together and now when I reach up and feel them so close together, I remember you, Donna. It reminds me to live my life the same as you lived yours, clinging to the cross.

Yes, Donna…we remember you, and I can just imagine that on March 21, 2009 when you entered the gates of Heaven the Lord was there to greet you saying, You Always Remembered Me.

Join Me in Prayer...

for our very special friend Jeanette and her sister Sheri, who will begin radiation treatments on Monday April 6...

Story from Sherry

I have a very precious memory of Donna that I would like to share with everyone. Of course as all the family knows, I live in Texas so I do not get to see my family members very often. I have in fact not seen Donna since the surprise birthday party that they had for my Aunt Ellie (Mom to Donna) when she turned 70.Several years had gone by and one Mother's Day recently (about 2 years ago) I got an email from Donna just out of the blue. For those of you who don't know me, my only son passed away in 1990 when he was 2 years old. Donna sent me an email for Mother's Day and just told me that she was thinking about me and that she was lifting me up in spirit and in thoughts. It touched me to the very core of my being and I will absolutely never forget it. We connected with each other just like it had been yesterday when we had last seen each other and were making plans to try to visit with each other in the near future. Well, that visit will not take place on this earth-but I know for sure without a doubt-we WILL see each other again-and we will laugh and hug and dance and be together forever in the kingdom of God-HALLELUJIA!!! Love, Sherry

Random musings

Thank you Bev for the opportunity to post thoughts and stories about Mom here. I am so thankful for my Aunties (technically Anties since they're from the north!) who have tirelessly updated this blog, and to all the friends who have followed Mom on her journey and offered words of support and encouragement here. It is truly a place where we find unity and comfort, even when we are far apart.

It's funny...Mom was never far from my thoughts, but now she is ever-present. When I start the car in the morning, I hear her telling me how to merge into traffic (and shrieking when I didn't do it right the first few times). When I grocery shop, I hear recipes she shared in my head...and her laughter when I called her a few months ago to ask how to make sweet tea. In fact, every time I make hot tea, I see her smiling and shaking her head. (Many of you know that I was less than fond of it as a child. Her life would have been infinitely easier if I had embraced it earlier.)

Maddie and Ella Kate keep asking me to tell them stories. There are so many to tell. Most of them involve laughter and hugs...always hugs. I look forward to reading stories that others remember about Mom. Thank you all for sharing her life.

Let Me Be the First....

to say, how happy I am Bev decided to do this. Most of you already know when Donna went into Duke for her transplant, she asked Bev to watch over the blog for her until she could take over herself. Sadly, that day never came, but Bev has greatly honored Donna's wish that the blog would always be a place where people would be "uplifted." That was Donna's word -- uplifted. Bev did such a good job that even now, since Donna has gone Home to her Lord & Savior, I still come here and find comfort. Even in reading some of the harder times as I know those times have passed for Donna. And it makes me feel closer to her to be here from time to time.

Donna would never want this to be a memorial and it won't be. But she would want us to watch over each other, and check in with each other from time to time--reaching out to those who need us. That is what she did in life and I hope we are all as blessed as I think we will be to come here and share our lives together!

Jan 3/31/2009

A Message from Joel

For all you precious people who have prayed and kept up with Donna, please know how thankful I am personally for your prayers, cards, money, and phone calls; also, your visits, food & support for me & all of my family.  We couldn't have substained ourselves thoughout this journey. We love each and every one of you.

Donna was the most precious gift from God I've ever known and she will be missed, but we are all better for having known her.

Thanks to all the friends, family, & church families for giving all your love for all of us.

With Love ALWAYS
Joel Sowers

Donna Lynn Sowers Jan 12, 1956 - March 21, 2009

Dear Friends,

It is with the greatest sadness we tell you that we lost our beloved Donna today. The grief is all ours, but there is joy that Donna is home with her Heavenly Father rejoicing with so many that she helped through the same journey she made herself today...Granny Gusler, Teresa, Grandmom Crabtree and so many others. Our beautiful wife, mother, daughter, and sister touched so many lives that the only way possible for us to reach so many who care about her was through this blog.

The prayers of so many sustained us and Donna through the darkest and stormiest hours in the last few months. God provided so much through so many. We ask that you continue to pray for Donna's husband Joel and her daughters, parents, sisters, brother, grandchildren and the multitude of lives that will go on missing a piece.

Arrangements are for a wake to be at Woods Funeral Home in Floyd on Monday evening, with services and a celebration of Donna's life on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Church of the Brethren in Rocky Mount. We will post full details by Sunday evening.

Thank you to all who gave of themselves and offered their prayers during the past difficult months. The earthly suffering will be great for us, but Donna's suffering has passed and for that we are truly thankful.

Love,

Donna's Family