Tuesday, May 29, 2007

A Tribute to my Friend Eva

A friend of mine, Eva Epp recently passed away from stomach cancer. I have never had a good friend pass away. This was difficult. Eva struggled and fought hard to stay alive for her children but she wasn't able to beat the cancer. She was a kind, thoughtful woman and a wonderful mother to her 2 children, Jonathan and Rebecca. Her passions were her children and her strong faith in God. She loved to sing and teach children in Sunday School.Eva was born in Yugoslavia

And as a young girl her family moved to Canada.

The love of her life were her 2 children and she always made time for them in the simple things during life.




I had the privilege of being with her and her family during her last days with us. It is truly an honor to be with someone as they go from this world to be with God. The night before she passed away I was with her and massaging her legs and back and I could feel God's presence in such a strong way. I felt such peace even though this was a difficult time. She smiled a lot in her last days and saved all her energy for visits with her children.

The week before she passed away Rebecca had a Mother's Day Tea at Kindergarten. Eva got a special pass from the hospital and called up all her energy and attended the Tea for Rebecca. By this time her brother had arrived from Seattle.

It was a lovely tea and Rebecca was thrilled that her mommy was there.


After the tea we went for a little picnic down by the lake and Eva wanted to stay with us and enjoy the sunshine.
Eva, you will be love and treasured forever.
Her legacy is her children.

Jonathan is an intelligent and great boy. He has the kindness of his mother. Eva so desparately wanted to make it to his soccer game the day after the tea but she just didn't have the strength. Here are some pics from his game.




This is Eva's brother, Andy, from California. Since Jonathan and Rebecca's father passed away a couple of years ago the children will now become part of Andy's family. Andy and his wife, Lil are absolutely wonderful people.
And this is Rebecca. She has her mom's quick smile and kind heart.

Rebecca and I have been taking picnics at the beach.






Eva's spirit and love for life will live on in her wonderful children. David and I are staying with the children while the immigration issues are worked out. It is a joy to be with them.