"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." John 16:22
This promise along with our Lord's resurrection promise, maintains, encourages and conforts us during
these difficult and painful period of time.
Our dear son Rene, flourishing 21 years, died on Thursday March 13 in the afternoon.
The night before, while walking along with a friend to his house, felt that his legs did not respond
and he weighed his arm ... then fell to the ground and when the ambulance took him to hospital found
that he had a stroke deep, with irreversible consequences.
We received the news at midnight in the city of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and through the support of
friendly people we could catch a flight the next day ... upon arrival we received the news of his death.
Our daughter Irene made a hasty trip from Bolivia and accompanied us in the farewell to his beloved
brother Rene.
Brothers and sisters of the Methodist community, Valdense community where Rene lived during last year,
family from many different places around the world, his study mates and friends of the house where
he lived were present in the farewell service and expressed appreciation for his warmth, his concern
for other people, and his readiness to support and assist in all times. One more reason to say:
thank you, Lord.
Ines Simeone, pastor at the Central Methodist Church which knows Rene several years, told us:
"There are times when the pain is so strong that we ran out of air and in the air ... without words,
without gestures, without action. Losing a loved one, suddenly, without warning, without permission;
flourish for a young life, a life expectancy goes without asking, nor hail ... Rene went well.
What to say?
Irene, Luis and I (Eunice) believe that Rene began to live eternal life, Rene took the decision and
became a registered organ donor at the time of his death. In the midst of pain we can only say
"thank you" and rejoice because the death of Rene has served to give health and life to others.
As another brother pastor: "We can not doubt that for those who love God all
things help either."
Luis, amid tears and broken voice at times, sung Rene's favorite hymns, sometimes accompanied by Eunice
and Irene.
Now, Oh God, we return to everyday life you've given us, come into it with your consolation.
Thanks for the company who share with us the pain of farewell to our dear brother-son-grandson-cousin-nephew-partner-friend Rene,
and by the words of consolation and hope your Gospel provides. Amen.
