My dear mother-in-law, Joyce Powell, recently passed from this life into eternity in God's arms, after a long and fruitful life and a long struggle with several different physical ailments. We will all miss her terribly.
Here are two photos of Joyce from several years ago, enjoying The Lovely Joanne's birthday party on the beach -- a favorite place for them both. She took great joy in seeing her daughter's happiness. Joyce and Stuart, her husband of 55 years, often traveled to America on business and to see their beloved Joanne (and to give their son-in-law a hard time). After Stuart retired, and Joyce became unable to travel, Joanne did the traveling for the business. The advantage in that was that the travel included visiting clients in England, then spending time with her parents in the north. I got to go too, from time to time, as we tried to honor them by spending time with them. 
Joyce was known by many for her practical wisdom. Her daughter says she had more common sense in her pinky finger than most people possess altogether, and I think she's right. Joyce could take just about any stain out of just about any fabric, and could pack a suitcase so when you took the clothes out, there were no wrinkles. She had a system and a reason for just about everything. Many people found Joyce's wisdom about life -- not just laundry -- helpful and encouraging. She always had a kind word for everyone. And her humility, her clear understanding of her own strengths and weaknesses, helped create that wisdom and a gentleness with others who were struggling. She often reminded people of the blessings they had from God which we so often overlook in our trials, as a way to help gain perspective and keep a balance.
Joyce was always good for a laugh. One of our funniest memories of her, was her inability to choose just one item in an unfamiliar restaurant menu, since they all sounded so good. After finally ordering and being served, she always thought your plate looked better than what she had ordered! One year, Joanne and I found an extension fork (for toasting marshmallows in a fireplace, I think) and gave it to her for Christmas as a "tithing fork" so it was more convenient for her to get a bit of what was on your plate too. She laughed uproariously -- and never used it. But she was always up for preparing food for us and anyone else who happened by. One had to be persistent to get away from their home and still be hungry!
For some reason, she took a shine to me the first time we met, and it wasn't long before she was suggesting, in her own quiet way, that her daughter pay more attention to me. I never really felt worthy of her approval or affection, but it was one of my great joys that she had given it.
It's a comfort for Joanne and me, as well as Stuart, to be absolutely sure we will see her again. She is secure with her Savior, awaiting the resurrection of the body (1 Cor. 15) -- of which Jesus is the Pioneer, the first of "a great harvest" (verse 20). But to be honest, we miss her something awful, and the days just aren't the same without her. It will be wonderful to see her again, along with my own mother, who died in 1975, and a whole lot of others we all miss. Until then, we wait, with our hope in Jesus, for his return in glory. God speed that day!
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