I'll Miss You! But I Won't Say Goodbye!

Last night, the phone rang. A broken voice on the other end said, "Aunt Marti, this is Mark. Gramma Hill is not doing so good, and Mom and Dad are at St. John's." We talked for about 10 minutes, and then I told him to call me back when he had more information. A few minutes later Noel called, but couldn't talk. He didn't have to, I knew that Berthena had passed away.

I met Berthena when I was 24 years old. Mom and Dad had moved to Wasco, California where Dad had taken a new pastorate. Bailey Hill was one of Dad's deacons, and his wife, Berthena took care of everyone! Noel fell in love with their daughter, Janice and married her. We became one big family. When Bailey and Berthena retired, they moved from California to Nixa, Missouri. It was natural for Noel and Janice to move to Springfield when Noel retired from the Navy. And then, Bill and I bought a home in Oklahoma. Everytime we visited Springfield, we enjoyed Bailey and Berthena's hospitality. We ate many delicious homecooked dinners together in their beautiful new home.

God knows everything! Steve, Noel and Janice's son, drives for Schneider Trucking but was home for the weekend. Dwayne, Janice's brother, is home from Singapore where he has been on business.

I'll be driving to Springfield with my mother for the funeral. Berthena, thank you for your love and for all of the happy times spent at your house! I will see you again. I don't have to say, "Goodbye"!