Hello Ralph. I was so looking forward to seeing you and Bertha again at Jordie's wedding. What a shock for you and Scott and Kathi to lose Bertha so suddenly. I have fond memories of her, and one story to share. One evening, when I lived just up the street from you, I had a terrible migraine and was lying in bed with a cold cloth on my forehead. Bertha spotted Jordie and Sarah running around outside in their pajamas. She brought them into the house and put them back to bed for me!

PHi, Kathi, Rocky, Tyson and Kayla, I am very, very sorry to hear about your loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathies at this very difficult time for you and your wider family. I did not know Bertha well. But I have great memories of her sitting on the bench and making supportive comments towards Kayla when I was working with Kayla in the park by your house. I also recall her being very friendly around Thunder social events and games. I am certain that she was an extremely kind and thoughtful person who had a positive impact on many, many people over the years. Deepest condolences at this time. All the very best. Charlie H

Hi, Kathi, Rocky, Tyson and Kayla, Coincidentally, right after sending my last note, I opened up the daily Bible reading which I subscribe to. It consists each day of a Bible reading and a short commentary. Today's reading is Matthew 28:1-10. The commentary is below. It occurred to me that it might provide comfort. All the best, guys. Is There Hope? By Anne Cetas Read: Matthew 28:1-10 "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." --Matthew 28:6 I sat quietly at the graveside of my father, waiting for the private family burial of my mother to begin. The funeral director carried the urn that held her ashes. My heart felt numb and my head was in a fog. How can I handle losing them both within just 3 months? In my grief I felt loss and loneliness and a little hopeless facing a future without them. Then the pastor read about another graveside. On the first day of the week, early in the morning, women went to Jesus' tomb, carrying spices for His body (Matt. 28:1; Luke 24:1). There they were startled to find an open and empty tomb--and an angel. "Do not be afraid," he said to them (Matt. 28:5). They didn't need to be afraid of the empty tomb or of the angel, because he had good news for them. Hope stirred when I heard the next words: "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said" (v.6). Because Jesus had come back to life, death had been conquered! Jesus reminded His followers just a few days before His death: "Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19). Even though we grieve at the loss of our loved ones, we find hope through the resurrection of Jesus and His promise that there is life after death. Charlie