"For me to live is Christ
and to die is gain"
Philippians 1.21
Emi and Ate Bebe's mom died Thursday morning in her bed. Today we buried her.
Here is a picture of my mom with "Loreta" a.k.a. "Mama Diding" in 2008.
Here is Mama Diding on her 70th birthday. Ate Bebe (left), me and Elijah, and Emi (right). They are my closest Filipino family of anyone. We will miss her much!
Emi says she is known as the "Hugs and Kisses Mama". She gives huge smacks even to pastors and anyone. So much love! This is Nate's brother, Stephen, visiting in 2010.
My brother, Daniel, and sister, Sarah, also came to visit in 2010. Mama Diding was known as a faithful prayer warrior. She said "I always pray for you every day in my quiet time."
We just got back from America. I didn't have a chance to visit the first week because I felt so weak and dizzy. It wasn't until Monday that I finally visited. Mama Diding had fallen and broke her hip. Ate Bebe thinks she had a minor stroke when that happened. I was shocked to see how much her health had deteriorated since she fell. This is the last picture I have of her (taken last Monday). This is where she died on Thursday morning, as she had prayed, peacefully in her sleep.
I had a crazy day on Thursday, since we were supposed to fly with Elijah to Manila for his passport at the embassy. That morning I went to be with Emi when they took her mom's body. Then I went with Ate Bebe to the funeral home to help with the coffin. Among other things, it was one full day.
This picture is on Saturday, all 5 of Mama Diding's kids were there. It was their first time together in 22 years! The oldest (in the middle) flew down from Manila on his first plane ride ever.
The 5 of them wanted a picture with our Becker family. We feel like a part of their family.
My mom and dad sent their love from the USA. I know that would mean a lot to "Loreta", and it meant a lot to the family too. Thanks! (If you think the flowers look unusual, these are the most common Filipino flower arrangements for funerals that you will find--very culturally appropriate).
"We would prefer to be away from the body
and at home with the Lord"
2 Corinthians 5.8
At her funeral this morning I have to admit, I felt jealous of Mama Diding. I have such a longing to be with the Lord forever in glory, and she is now experiencing that joy eternally! No more pain, no more crying! We who are still in the body are still groaning and longing for that day. She is free forever!
"Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead
with our heavenly dwelling..."
2 Corinthians 5.2
We buried her body in the ground today, but she is very much alive with Jesus. I like the custom in the Philippines of actually standing there and watching them lower the casket and shoveling the dirt onto the grave. It brings closure. Everyone throws flowers in the hole where the coffin is lowered, and then they shovel the dirt right then and there.
We will miss you, Mama Diding! You are a faithful prayer warrior and loving Mama and Lola (Grandma). You are now receiving the goal of your faith: the salvation of your soul. Good-bye, until we meet in heaven.
