As I write this pastor's column, I'm thinking about a dear soul, Alberta Bertrand, who died this morning (June 9) at Good Samaritan Nursing Home at the age of 105!  I have only personally known one other person who lived to that age in Fort Smith (and whose name was Josephine Mueller).  In both cases, I can truly say that  they handled their situation with grace and faith.  Both were eager to receive Holy Communion whenever it was made available to them.

Alberta was blessed to have a family (especially Sons, Ray, Jerry and Jim and their spouses) who visited her regularly and lovingly - and helped keep her spirits up.  It really is hard to grasp the extent of what Alberta witnessed in her long life, especially the developments and changes in society and in the Church.  Thankfully, even with so many changes, she was blessed with a rock-solid faith that helped her greatly to adjust and accept so many changes including changes in her growing family unit.

How wonderful it was for me to walk into her room after she died and find some of her family, and many health care workers at Good Samaritan, surrounding her bed where Alberta lay looking so peaceful at the time that followed her passing.  The workers had just prayed a short service for Alberta and then stayed to join in on the prayers I offered for her.  Alberta had lived at Good Samaritan for about seven years and was truly loved by those who cared for her.  Most of us cannot appreciate what it takes for someone to work in such a setting day after day.  There are, of course, many challenges, but also many blessings.  Please include these people and those they serve in your prayers.  Finally, I know Alberta felt truly blessed to have both a brother (Reverend John Hebert) and a grandson, Reverend Jacob Bertrand as priests of God.  I give thanks to God for having known and ministered to this special lady.  May she now rest forever in the joy and peace of God's heavenly home!