"Precious in the sight of The Lord, is the death of His saints." (Psalm 116:15) Pastor Rudy from Sandra's church shared that passage with us today. He talked about two ways that earthly death is precious to God. First precious in the sense of cost to God in sending his Son to die for our sins. Second, in how dearly God loves His child, Sandra, and is glad that she is there with Him.
At approximately 2:50 pm today, April 2, 2013 Sandra took her last breath on earth and went home. She was surrounded by her family and was at peace.
I noticed her last breath was taken about the same time as the bell would ring to mark the end of the school day. It was almost as if she finished teaching and was ready to go home. As Audrey said, it was as if class was dismissed here on earth and she was already surrounded by a bunch of kids in heaven.
We will be updating the blog as funeral arrangements are made. Right now we are thinking it will be Monday or Tuesday of next week to allow travel time for family and friends.
Thank you for your prayers, love and support through this long journey. While we will miss Sandra very much, there is also a sense of relief and joy for her that her suffering and battle with cancer is over. She is healthy, unhindered by tubes connected to her body, singing and directing children, while laughing and smiling that big beautiful smile.
--written by Ardie
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This was posted on January 23-2013:
ReplyDeleteSandra is looking forward with great joy to singing (or directing the singing!) in heaven. However, she has very real fears about what happens between now and then. She doesn't want pain and doesn't like the unknown of the journey between now and healing in heaven.
The day I read this blog was one of the darkest days of my life but this post opened my eyes to what God was trying to show me and it changed my life forever. Sandra didn't get to know us as we moved here 3 yrs ago but our son Delano knew her a bit from when she did our PINOCHIO play and he talked fondly of her. But I just wanted to let you know how God used you and Sandra to restore me and change me. God Bless! Lia Goossen
Dear Elgersma family,
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathies to you in the loss of Sandra. It has been such a long and difficult journey for you all. Sandra is now finally at peace and without pain, rejoicing in the presence of the Saviour she loved so much. I have been blessed many times when reading her blog , because in spite of everything, she always gave God the glory. I got to know Sandra many years ago when we were young teachers in southern Ontario, and she played the organ in my parents' church in Woodstock. I asked her to play for my wedding and of course she did a wonderful job. We reconnected in BC many years later when we lived there from 2003 - 2011. She was truly a wonderful, bubbly, faith-filled person, gifted in music and in teaching it as well. May God comfort you as you mourn her passing and continue on in life without her.
In Christian love,
Irene Geleynse
What a blessing that Sandra is now with her Lord, but she leaves an empty space for you all. And so we pray that God will give you an extra measure of His Strength and Peace during these difficult days.
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Dear omke Keimpe and tante Gertrude and all of our family. The few times that we met our lovely niece, we learned to know her as a very warm personality, always interested in other people and a great teacher. We deeply respect her battle against cancer and the faith in God. Metske Anne, Esther, Stefan, Annelies and Mathijs Elgersma.
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