God's Word for today

Monday 23 March 2009

Andrew Johannes Genau (28 May 1930 - 23 March 2009)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1: 12)

I was saddened by the news from my wife this morning that my father-in-law had passed away sometime during the early hours of this morning.

When Belinda and I started going out nearly 22 years ago and I met "Uncle Andy" for the first time, I found that we shared the same birthday - 28 May. Over the years, "Pops" (as I called him after Belinda and I were married) and I would share many more things - especially the fact that I could even meet and later marry my Proverbs 31 wife at all. For when Belinda had leukaemia at the age of 6, he was the one who provided the life-saving bone marrow necessary for transplant. He worked himself to the bone, at great cost to his own health, to provide for his family amidst the mounting medical bills - all because he loved his daughter more than life itself.

While he didn't have a great education, he instilled the values into his three girls that made them what they are today. He was not a rich man, but what he had was worth more than gold.

In later years Belinda and I tried our best to make their "golden years" a little easier, and my son has had the privilege of having his grandparents living right next door to him for the past six or seven years. James and Oupa would spend many an hour, just talking about "stuff" - secrets between grandfather and grandson that parents are not meant to be privy to.

Pops, however I may remember you in years to come, I'll forever be grateful to you for giving me your daughter. The love in her eyes will always remind me of the love you had for your family. You may have been seen as a chatterbox at times, but it was this quality that made you a friend to many, and an an enemy to none.

You will be sorely missed.

6 comments:

Jenny Hillebrand said...

Steven, that is so sad. Much sympathy. And you are away from home . . .

Hanno Prinsloo (only me) said...

Boet.

Just read this now. And had to swallow real hard to keep me from crying on my keybord.

My prayers and sympathy go out out you and and your family !

My our loving Father hold all of you and give you peace.

Hanno

Steven Jones said...

Hey guys - thank you SO much for your prayers, messages, and 'phone calls. I just feel completely helpless being so far away. I want to take my wife in my arms, give her a big hug, and just be able to fix everything - yet I can't. But God can.

I'm so grateful to my brother-in-law for stepping in to assist with the funeral arrangements. My wife has also been as solid as a rock, as she always is in a crisis. No doubt she'll have her cry when it's all over.

Still, I've managed to get a flight to Joburg to be able to attend the funeral. The timing is ridiculous - out at lunchtime on Wednesday, and back early Friday morning, but at least we'll have the day together. Don't know where I'm going to get the money from, but that's credit card's problem for now.

Fat Prophet said...

I am with Only Me on this - our prayers will be with you at this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Steven

Sorry to hear about this. Condolences to the family

Neill, Beryl and Nadia

Rock in the Grass (Pete Grassow) said...

Grace and Peace brother