Thank you all for the kind words, deeds, and prayers for Jackie and he mother. It is finished. Barbara Kletzien is with the Lord.  She left us peacefully with her children at her side.

I’ll not describe the whole sacred affair, but I will tell you one thing I learned of deep importance. 

After a good cry and hugs for all, I stood silently at the end of her bed. I admired the frail but angelic face of someone who loved others far better than I. A small tear began to welt up in my eye when I realized how much of a nothing I was compared to this woman. I felt like a noisy gong, a heathen, a civilian in the faith; not the pios man I believed myself to be just moments earlier.

The truth is,  I have lots of faith. The kind that can move mountains. I am far more known for my knowledge of the scriptures than this lady, I thought. But to what use is knowledge, faith, or prophetic powers if they are not tempered with her kind of love?

Barbara, my mother in law, had a love that surpassed all my talents, my riches, my gifts. She selflessly loved everyone, but especially her family. She never boasted of anything. Her humble love for others simply muted all arrogance. She was never rude or resentful and rarely irritable. She loved truth, kindness, and never thought of herself more than others. I said to you earlier that she was the most selfless person I’ve ever known. It was hitting home now.

So, as I stood there, with that tear rolling slowly down my cheek, I realized this fine lady shared with me, and everyone else, worthy or not, all her life, God’s love. Nothing compares to this. She possessed in life the finest gift. Precious to all of us, she worked hard to share her gift. She sent notes, she called, she paid for dinners, she sent money, and she wrapped every gift, she sacrificed everything for others. She was faithful and consistent. She wanted to know everything about you, how “you” were doing and how “you” felt. And she never forgot to say to Jackie, “Say hi to Bob.”

Yes, I learned a lesson in that glorious moment! Love never fails and it never ends. Thank you my God, for people like her. For my dear mother in law and the humbling privilege to have known her love.

I hope you all are doing well!