Bernice Goodman

Goodman, Bernice Lucelle (nee Wright) passed away quietly on May 6. 2011, in her granddaughter Crystal arms, roughly an hour before her 87th birthday. Bernice, often referred to as Bunny, or Bea in her later years, was born in Manitoba and was predeceased by her brothers Laurie, Johnny, and sister Eva; her younger sister Virginia remains living. Bernice herself had four children: Alex (Loretta), Ivan, Laura (deceased in 2004), and John; many grandchildren, but shared a close relationship with granddaughter Crystal and great grandson Nicholas, who brought her lots of joy before her illness. Bernice lived a difficult life and worked hard to provide for her children and keep them together. She was a loving grandmother, my nana taught me many valuable lessons in life, particularly about the Lord. Bernice was a strong, born again Christian and it gives us great comfort to know she's home now with the Lord. I can think of no-one who deserves to be there more. Bernice was fun-loving and very sociable before she became ill with dementia. She worked many jobs but always in customer service, as she always loved meeting and visiting new people. My nana was the most self-sacrificing person I have ever known and I am honored to have known and loved her. She taught me never too judge, that everyone has redeeming qualities, and deserves second chances. I will miss you greatly nana, but know you're with me until we meet again.

Footprints

One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to me, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My child, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

~Margaret Fishback Powers

A special thank you to her caregivers at Carelife Fleetwood, and to Pastor Wes who prayed over her at the end, I know that would have meant a lot to her. At nana's request there will be no funeral.