Remembering Norma Duenas

Last night, my husband slowly opened our cupboard. I noticed that he was taking out those beautiful silver-lined china, one at a time, piling them up on top of the counter and just staring at them. I asked him, "what are you doing?"

He quietly wiped them clean as though they haven't been used. He softly answered, "I just want to remember sister Norma. Remember? Only she, who thought of giving us a wedding present. (Despite the fact that the wedding was kind-of against all odds at the time). What a memory! TJ, our firstborn, suggested to refrain using the china so as to keep it safe up to his generation and the next. How endearing to hear such phrases of respect and expressing such candor that he felt about his beloved "aunt Norma." I was so touched.

She's always been so thoughtful. She was TJ's first adventurer's director. She would give all her energy just to keep us engaged in her humbled way of ministering.

It was that night that my husband and I were a little confused and figuring out what TJ's friend's blog meant..."Aunt Norma is now resting.-PJ"

I knew it was not long ago when we left New Jersey for a new adventure here in the California central valley. It gave us a moment to reflect on her goodness, seeking God to turn back time. Lord, please get me in my car, i want to drive to Howell, just 20 miles west of Hazlet. I'll certainly find her gleeing face and her warm hugs. She would blast into laughter for any silly jokes I get to offer. Oh, I just gotta to tell her how much I love her.

Today, an email did confirm that she passed away this morning. Dale and Sue, thanks for thinking of us here in Calif.

I would like to share Sue's wedding photo in the early 90's. Ate Norma was standing on my right. Her beautiful smile in this photo will I long to see when that glorious day come. As John wrote Jesus' promise: That glorious day is the the day when Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven. He is the resurrection. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

My prayer of comfort and peace to all that Ate Norma has left behind.

"Ate Norma is resting, truly it is. Her 'spirit returns to God who gave it (Eccl. 12:7)'.

Manong Rudy and Rachel: Peace through Jesus Christ, I pray. -Glenda & Pepe