Tuesday, November 12, 2019
When I picture Uncle Rudy in my mind, it’s always with his charming smile on his face. I can still hear his voice in my memories as he led our church in worship. His voice was strong and clear and always on key.
Uncle Rudy had the courage to leave his home in Brazil and all his family to immigrate to the USA. Thereby, he paved the way for my family to follow several years later, for which I am deeply grateful. It is in this country where I surrendered my life to God, received my education, found the man I love and married him, worked in ministry beside my husband, raised my children, and now am blessed with grandchildren too.
When we first arrived in the US, I was seven years old. We briefly lived with Uncle Rudy and Aunt Helene in Philadelphia. Every Sunday they packed their family and my family into his station wagon (this was before the seatbelt law) and we drove one hour to the German Full Gospel Church in New Jersey. I remember Uncle Rudy leading us in songs on our trips back and forth. And the car always smelled good like Uncle Rudy’s aftershave or cologne.
I left New Jersey when I got married and moved to Michigan. On one of my trips back to NJ to visit my parents, I went to the grocery store. In the parking lot, I unexpectedly met Uncle Rudy as he was heading into the store. I hadn’t seen him in a very long time, but seeing his welcoming smile told me clearly that I was his family—his niece. It was a heartwarming moment for me. Even though we hadn’t seen each other in years, one brief moment of reunion caused the years to slip away and we were family still. After a brief chat, we said goodbye. He walked toward the store as I got behind the steering wheel of my car fighting back the tears. It was a poignant moment for me. Distance and time tried to build a barrier between us, but just one glimpse of that loved-one’s face—one reunion—and distance and time crumbled to the memories we cherish of each other.
Aunt Helene, Esther, and Don, (as well as the rest of the family), I’m so sorry for your loss. When I look at the picture of Uncle Rudy, it doesn’t seem possible that he’s gone. I’m so glad that one day there will be a sweet reunion. But in the meantime, in the days that follow and especially the holidays, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
