By Winnie Bolton
Note to readers: My husband, Tom Bolton, was Mount Angel’s mayor from 1996 to 2002. I sincerely feel he would like to send a concerned message to our town that the discontentment which has arisen the last few years will be lovingly resolved by all its citizens as we have more in common than not. Consider this as words from him.
Some things I’d like to say but first of all to let you know that I arrived OK. I’m writing this from heaven where I dwell with God above, where there’s no more tears or sadness, there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight, remember I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on Earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and said, “I welcome you. It’s good to have you back again. You were missed when you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on. I need you here badly as part of my big plan. There’s so much we have to do to help our mortal man.”
Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and take care of you.
I will be beside you every day and week and year and when you’re sad, I’m standing there to wipe away your tear. And when you lie in bed at night, the day chores put to flight, God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years, because you’re only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain, remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain though my life on Earth is o’er, I am closer to you now than I ever was before.
And to my very many friends, trust God knows what is best. I’m still not far away from you all, I’m just beyond the crest. There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb but together we can do it if we take one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too, that as you give unto the world so the world will give to you. If you help somebody who is in sorrow or pain then you can say to God at night “My day was not in vain”.
And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick them up as on your way you go.
When you are walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind, I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when you feel the gentle breeze or wind upon your face that’s me giving you a big hug or just a soft embrace.
And when it’s time for you to go, from that body to be free, remember you’re not going, you are coming home to me.
And I will always love you from that land way up above. Will be in touch again soon.
P.S. God sends his love.
