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Tuesday, November 11, 2008

In Rememberance

Today is Veteran's Day in the United States while our Canadian and British friends observe Remembrance Day. It is typically observed on the Sunday closest to November 11, in commemoration of those killed in the World Wars, just as in the States we honor all who have served. This moving post was sent to us by Gery Vandenhaak.

The Internet Cafe stands in REMEMBERANCE of all of the men and women who so valiantly went before us to ensure the freedom of others. On this Veteran's Day and Remberance Day, The Internet Cafe thanks you.


I too remember. I too am thankful. I was only 7 years old. This was winter 1945.

My brother and I are standing outside in the darkness. Our backs are pressed against the wall of our house. I am seven and my brother is five years old. I can feel the roughness of the wall under my left hand. My brother is very brave. He holds my hand very tightly.

I am never afraid. My mother said to wait before we started walking, to wait until we could see. And if we were afraid to look up to the stars and God would look after us. We have to get some milk for the baby. Mom only has water for her. We have to go to the second farm. Mom said not to go to the first one. We walk slowly, we do not talk, not even whisper.

People are not allowed to be outside after eight. We come to the farm and knock on the back door, it opens and a hand pulls us inside. The door is closed behind us and then a candle is lit. The warmth of the place wraps its arms around us. "What do you want? You are only kids" a voice said.

We ask for some milk for the baby. The farmers wife smiles at us and said "Yes." I can feel my insides again. The farmers wife said we could come again as she fills the milk container. When we got home, mom hugged us so tight, it almost hurts again. Mom loves us so much....

Psalm 23: 1-4

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. (NKJ)


I am lining up for food. I can feel the crackling of the papers my mom put under my jacket against the wind. I have in my hands a round brown enamel little pan with two black handles. The edge is black too and there is a chip broken of the edge. We line up at the soup kitchen. I see no adults. It must be for children only. But I do not see my brother and sister. The soup is good. It is grayish brown. It makes me feel good inside.....

Psalm 23: 5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.NKJ


Selemat

Gery is Canadian resident. She and her husband are involved in mission work. She calls herself a "grey haired, 70 year old senior." She has been blessed with 5 children and 23 grandchildren and has been married nearly 47 years!

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4 Comments:

Blogger Patty Wysong said...

Hi Gery!
There are so many things we take for granted today. Thanks for reminding us of just how good we have it.
Hugs!

November 11, 2008 at 1:11 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Amen

November 11, 2008 at 7:51 PM  
Blogger Joanne Sher said...

Amen. Such an amazing post, and such a real experience.

November 12, 2008 at 5:41 AM  
Blogger LauraLee Shaw said...

A missionary at our church a few weeks ago said that it struck one pastor in Africa that most of our garages are bigger than their churches. That put a visual in my head that I can't get out. We are so very blessed. Thank you for this incredible post!

November 12, 2008 at 6:55 AM  

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It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

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