Author Archives: pastorallende

My wife, Linda, read the following poem by Maya Angelou at my mother’s funeral. It was so fitting and so characteristic of my mother that I want to share it with everyone. This poem appears on other blogs, affirming its universality as well as its particularity. When Great Trees Fallby Maya AngelouWhen great trees fall,rocksContinueContinue reading “When Great Trees Fall”

The following is the eulogy written and delivered by my niece, Yolanda Patterson, at my mother’s funeral on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. Those who knew her would agree that the remarks capture the essence of who Mom was…OH MY GOODNESS…WHAT AN AMAZING WOMAN“OH MY GOOOODNESS,” the very words “Abuela” said whenever sheContinueContinue reading “Oh My Goodness!–What an Amazing Woman”

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NIV)This verse kept resonating with me during Holy Week while my mother was dying. The words of Jesus as he hung on the cross were never more meaningful.Mom died on GoodContinueContinue reading “"It is finished"”