On Thursday night my Aunti Ida passed away to be with the Lord. To Desmond, Eddie and the rest of the family I'm praying for you that you will find peace at this sad time.

My deepest sympathy goes to the loved ones who mourn the death of Miss Ida. I hope the following suggestions might help you in the grieving process:

SOME PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO HELP US DEAL WITH THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE

(1) Rely on friends: Do not hesitate to let others help if they offer to do so and you can really use some assistance. Understand that it may be their way of showing you how they feel; perhaps they cannot find the right words.—Proverbs 18:24.

(2) Take care of your health: Grieving can wear you out, especially in the beginning. Your body needs sufficient rest, healthful exercise, and proper nourishment more than ever. A periodic checkup by your family doctor might be in order.

(3) Postpone major decisions: If possible, wait for at least some time until you are thinking more clearly before you decide such things as whether to sell your house or to change your job. (Proverbs 21:5) One widow recalled that several days after her husband died, she gave away many of his personal possessions. Later, she realized that she had given away mementos she treasured.

(4) Be patient with yourself: Grief often lasts longer than people in general realize. Yearly reminders of the lost loved one may renew the pangs. Special pictures, songs, or even smells can trigger the tears. One scientific study of bereavement explained the grief process as follows: "The bereaved may swing dramatically and swiftly from one feeling state to another, and avoidance of reminders of the deceased may alternate with deliberate cultivation of memories for some period of time." Keep Jehovah's precious promises in mind.—Philippians 4:8, 9.

(5) Make allowances for others: Try to be patient with others. Realize that it is awkward for them. Not knowing what to say, they may clumsily say the wrong thing.—Colossians 3:12, 13.

(6) Beware of using medication or alcohol to cope with your grief: Any relief offered by drugs or alcohol is temporary at best. Medication should be taken only under a doctor's supervision. But be careful; many substances are addictive. In addition, these may delay the grieving process. A pathologist warns: "The tragedy has to be endured, suffered and eventually rationalised and to retard this unduly by knocking out the [person] with drugs may prolong or distort the process." Lasting relief will come through meditating on Jehovah's grand purposes.—Psalm 1:2; 119:97.

(7) Get back into a regular routine: You may have to push yourself at first to go to work, to go shopping, or to take care of other responsibilities. But you may find that the structure of your normal routine will do you a lot of good. Keep busy in Christian works.—Compare 1 Corinthians 15:58.

(8) Do not be afraid to let go of acute grief: Strange as it may seem, some bereaved ones are afraid to let go of the intense grief, believing that it may indicate their love for the deceased one is diminishing. That simply is not the case. Letting go of the pain makes way for treasured memories that will no doubt always remain with you.—Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4.

(9) Do not be unduly anxious: You may find yourself worrying, 'What will become of me now?' The Bible counsels to take one day at a time. "Living more on a day-to-day basis really helps me," explains one widow. Jesus said to his disciples: "Never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties."—Matthew 6:25-34.

Our family have lost a love one. Aunt Ida was mother to many of us. I am proud to say that she has lived her life to the fullest, and will always be remembered for her good deeds. According to the song entitled "Safely Home," Aunt Ida is now saying to us,
"I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last."

I am sorry I can't make it to the funeral. My prayers are with the rest of the family.

From: Florry, Rodelo, Joni & Kissiah

Although it seems we will not be able to attend Ma Ida's funeral services, we are thinking of her and our family. Ma Ida was a mother to my husband, Chris. She raised Chris, her grandson, like one of her own children. She was such a kind, loving woman. She will be missed by us all.

Chris,Julie, Mackenzie, and Emily
Parchment

Aunt Ida's funeral service will be on this Sunday (19th of Febuary)

I'm very sorry I'm not able to attend, but my thought are with the family.
As we reflect on the full life of a wonderful lady, Aunt Ida, let us not forget how much richer our lives are because of her.
The last time I was in Jamaica, I visited with Aunt Ida and Gaye her granddaughter. I can still taste that tall glass of cool lemmonade or rather limeade, as we sat on the veranda and Aunt Ida told us about life growing up and about her sister, my late mom "Julia.

Aunt Ida will be greatly missed by all.

Oral and family