In Memory of Lila Mae

Many people have touched my life through the years, but Bill and Lila Mae Hand have to rank very close to the top. When David and I moved to Maytown to begin our work with the congregation there, we were the ripe old age of 23. Looking back, we were so young. Bill, who was one of the elders, and Lila Mae, took us into their lives just as if though we belonged to them. There was never a time that we called on them, that they were not there. Bill always had the right tool that David needed to borrow, and Lila Mae always had eggs and sugar. But our relationship was truly more than tools, eggs, and sugar- they were our support system. As our children arrived, all 3, there was never a birthday or Christmas that there was not a gift from the Hands. I think Lila Mae must have bought more Christmas presents than the Queen of England. She never forgot anyone. She always told others that they had "raised us", and I guess they did.
This morning when I received the call that she had passed, my heart was so sad. I cried like I have not cried in a long time. Although Lila Mae's health had been poor the past years, her spirit remained optimistic. She was such an encouragement. Her Christian light was so bright- at home, at church, and in the neighborhood. I have taken a lot of kidding because I always insist that when we prepare food for a funeral, that we prepare as if though an army was coming- I had good training. Lila Mae would not have dared to fix a small bowl of anything- everything she did was big-big bowls and big love. So, while my heart is sad, I am so thankful that her suffering is over. I am thankful that one day I will see her and Bill again. I am thankful that they loved David, me, and our children. As I helped Billy pack up the hospital room, I opened her cosmetic bag and there amidst the Vitamin E Oil, the Raleigh Salve, and her lipsticks, was a picture of Addi, Levi, and Hannah. She loved them, too, and I am sad that they will never know her. I am certain that if Heaven has a kitchen, that there is a new "Head Cook". I think I smell the cinnamon rolls, even now. Lila Mae, I love you.