Quick Flight to Texas

While we were in WA for services we got a call from Kimberly's Mom that her grandfather who we call Pepa ( pee-paw ) wasn't doing very well. They weren't expecting him to live much longer.

We then prayed about it and made a decision to fly back to Brownsville TX to try to see him before he passed on. We also had to cancel a couple of services in the process. This was a very difficult decision for us. But as I got counsel, I am reminded that family comes first. We got a quick flight out on Monday morning at 820. We had to get up and leave Eugene OR at 330 am. We drove to my other twin sisters place and her husband Jeff took us to the aiport. Thanks Jeff.

We got into Harlingen TX about 630 pm. Our friends Loren and Debbie picked us up at the airport, and took us to Brownsville. ( about a 1/2 hour a way )

We went straight to the hospital. We stayed at the hospital till late that night and all day Tuesday. I got the priveledge to stay up all night with Pepa on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning. Pepa had a rough night. And then about 530 am he quieted down and fell asleep. It was about 730 am that the male nurse came in and said his breathing was changing and I bettter call in the family. By 745 - 800 he was safely in the arms of Jesus. I got to hold his hand and pray with him as he went on to his heavenly home.

You see, Kimberly was especailly close to Pepa. Her grandparents helped to partially raise her when she was younger. Since her parents worked, she spent time with her grandparents during the day. And Pepa is a vital person in her spiritual experience.
When we share our testimonies, Pepa is a main part of hers.

It was hard being the only one there in the hospital room with Pepa, but yet I am glad I got to be with him as he left this world.

I haven't cried so much as I have in the past few days. I guess all the stuff going on in our lives, has just built up. Plus that and not getting much sleep the past few days. The stress of raising support, moving around alot, the diabetes diagnosis, the death of my brother and now the passing of Pepa.

We are going to miss Pepa ( 92 ) alot. And the next times that Kimberly shares her testimony it will be very difficult. So please pray for her and us. Also pray for Mema (88 ) and Bubba ( 50's ). They are left behind, as they lived with him daily. But we know that Pepa is now rejoicing and praising the Lord in His presence. Something we look forward to someday.