September 13 is a day of mixed emotions for me. Who could have imagined the events that were to take place:

1926 — My Mom, Evelyn Catherine Scherf, was born
1945 — Mom married my dad, Ralph Rushnock

How sweet is that! They were married on Mom’s 19th birthday! They would celebrate her 72nd birthday, and their 53rd wedding anniversary! The whole family would come to their house later in the day to join in the happy day!

Mom told me they stayed up after midnight to begin their private celebration. Dad was very cold and he had a tear in his eye when he gave her one last kiss goodnight. They slept in single beds and he always fell asleep facing her. But that night was different. He fell asleep facing the other direction.

1998 — Mom awoke that morning to what she described as the sound little children laughing and playing outside. But Dad didn’t wake up. Mom came to believe the delightful sound she had heard was really the angels escorting Dad to heaven.

The day had sadly become a time of mourning. We still brought birthday gifts for Mom. The food we had prepared would be served to those who visited with Mom that day.

Ed and I rushed to their house as soon as Mom called to tell us Dad had passed away.

I always loved how dad would gently place his hands on my cheeks and kiss my forehead. So gentle and precious. That morning God granted me a quiet moment to hug Dad and kiss his forehead before they took him away. For that I will be eternally grateful.

This day, 26 years later, I hope to honor them both by being the daughter they stood by and prayed for in the difficult times, and the woman God created me to be.

May God, in his infinite wisdom be honored through it all.