Church Oma 1914-2012

On Friday, August 31 on of my two Oma's went to be with the Lord.  She was my "Church Oma."  We called her that to distinguish between her and my London Oma.  Oma Schmah lived on Church Street in Comox, British Columbia for many years and so became our Church Oma.  She did also go to church and throughout her life loved Jesus.  Even when life was hard.

There are lots of memories of my dear Oma as I think back.  I am grateful to my parents who recently scanned a bunch of old slides and negatives.  As I looked through them I came across this photo of my grandparents visiting us in Germany in the late 70's.  Though our family moved all over the country and even to Europe, Oma was always there to visit.  It was always a blessing to have that connection to our family who by then was scattered all over the world.

As I reflect on Oma's life, a word that comes to mind is faithfulness.  She was born in Germany and lived through some of the most tumultuous times in its history.  She followed her Opa Rudi to Canada, then to Australia and back again.  She was a faithful wife, mother and a very hard workers.  And more than anything I know Oma was faithful in prayer.  Whenever we would talk over the years she would tell me she was praying for me and for my growing family.  Through many trials and the suffering of these latter years she was faithful to the Lord who had been faithful to her.

I am thankful for a grandmother like my Oma.  Probably my fondest memories are of the times at Frank Place in London, Ontario.  We would visit her there in the big old house.  Oma would buy us boxes of Shreddies (you have to be Canadian to know what they are) just so we could get the toys inside.  Since we didn't have a TV at home we would watch as much as we wanted while visiting her.  Oma was generous without spoiling us too badly.  We knew we were loved.

This photo is another fond memory.  Oma was always an encouragement to me in whatever I wanted to do.  Even as a young boy she encouraged my desire to fly.  I remember these days in the park, piloting Oma's airplane to whatever some far flung destination where she could enjoy a well deserved vacation.  She always gave of her time and her energy to all the grandkids.

Oma enjoyed a long life.  The last years were difficult and she was basically bed ridden for the last 7 years.  But she continued to pray.  She was ready to go home to heaven and so in His time God took her into the faithful arms of her Savior Jesus Christ.  She will be missed.

The last time I saw Oma was just over a year ago.  During our time on furlough back in the United States I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of my cousin Camille on Saltspring Island.  Oma lived there so we were able to spend some time both at the wedding and at the hospital.  We talked, prayed, sang.  I treasure those time and am thankful I got to see her again.