Frances Turner Was Laid To Rest

What a blessing it was to see many people come out to Frances' visitation then funeral yesterday in Harrisonville, MO. Frances was like my 2nd mom. I grew up with Paul Turner as my best friend and often enjoyed a meal at my house to go next door and have another meal with the Turners. Frances was an inspiration for courage and grace as she made her way into heaven early Monday morning.
I recieved a very special honor the morning of Frances' funeral. While visiting with friends who have come a great distance to say their farewells, Paul approached me as I was joining the crowd to take our seats before the funeral began. He asked me where I was going and I gestured to the crowd. He said, "come on back with us, you're as much a part of this family as others back here. Anyway, that's how mom would have wanted it!" I felt a sense of pride well up in me as I joined the family in the back room before they were ushered in.
Charles opened the service and helped us all laugh alittle and set the tone for a fellowship of joy at Frances' jouney home. Chuck was always great at bringing laughter into God's message for us. I'm very proud of him...the strength of the Lord was ever present in him!
James, the oldest son, had a recorded harmonica song played just for his mom...you could almost see Frances sitting there in her chair, leaning forward with a big smile on he face, ever attentive as she showed her pride for her son's song! Paul read from a letter he had written to his mom paying tribute to her teachings, strengths and always eliciting God's direction in all things that she did. It was a loving letter from a son who missed his mom but knew that one day he would experience her arms around him again when they meet in heaven.
What an inspriation this family is to others. Frances was the backbone of this family and will be missed! The great thing is her inspiration for others to follow the walk God sets before them and the willingness to stay close to the path that God has made. We may not be able to be that backbone, but what we can do is emulate the best we can because of the great teacher God sent to us to learn from these past 65 years. Thanks to everyone who said a special prayer for the Turner family - it was evident that God heard your prayers!