Death of a Saint

If you looked at the Bluffton News-Banner today, you may have skimmed over an obituary that read something like this:


Irene E. Reinhard, 94, of Bluffton, went to be with her Lord at 6:55 p.m., Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010. Irene was born in Wells County on Oct. 27, 1916, to John & Lydia Fiechter. She married Aaron Reinhard on July 7, 1940. He preceded her in death in 1998. Irene was a homemaker and farm wife where she found great joy in lovingly serving her family. Irene is survived by three sons, Donnie (Sharon) Reinhard of East Lansing, Mich., Jerome (Gale) Reinhard of Bluffton, and John (Pam) Reinhard of Bluffton; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to Aaron, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Rosemary; a grandson, Adam; two brothers and four sisters.


What this obituary didn't mention were the thousands of sugar cookies with red hot centers. It failed to mention the blueberries, the cheese, the popcorn and the Pepsi in little shot glasses that was always available. It failed to mention her tenderness and her gentle spirit and how I can't think of a single stern word she ever uttered.


I just realized, I'm typing this from her bedroom. I wonder now how many hours she spent kneeling on this very floor praying specifically for me.


I can't remember the last time my grandma walked. I know she was in a wheelchair at our wedding and that was over 8 years ago. But she spent today running on streets of gold! I can't remember the last time I heard my grandma speak. I know it's been a few years. But she spent today singing praises with the angels! She has spent the past several years trapped...not just in her bed at Christian Care, but in the shell of a body that was left. But today she is free!


I was in her room with her last night when she died. She exited this life the same way she lived it: quietly with peace and grace. She was surrounded by her family, all 3 of her sons were at her bedside. Now she is re-united with her daughter, Rosemary, who tragically died when she was only 3. Today she was able to hold her grandson, Adam, for the first time. Adam sadly died after only a few short days on this earth. She's with grandpa and most of her siblings. She's with Jesus.


Grandma, you will be missed. But I am so incredibly happy for you. Well done, good and faithful servant.





As you all know, I am a huge Rich Mullins fan. At a time like this, I can't help but think back to his song "First Family". Dad or one of his brothers could have written almost identical lyrics. I'm typing by memory, so this might not be 100% accurate.

My folks they were always the first family to arrive
With seven people jammed into a car that seated five
There was one bathroom to bathe and shave in, six of us stood in line
Hot water for only three, but we all did just fine

Talk about your miracles, talk about your faith
My dad he could make things grow out of Indiana clay
Mom could make a gourmet meal out of just cornbread and beans
And they worked to give faith hands and feet and somehow gave it wings

I can still hear my dad cussin', he's working late out in the barn
Spring planting's coming and the tractor just won't run
Mom, she's done the laundry, I can see it waving on the line
Now they've stayed together through the pain and strain of those times

Talk about your miracles, talk about your faith
My dad he could make things grow out of Indiana clay
Mom could make a gourmet meal out of just cornbread and beans
And they worked to give faith hands and feet and somehow gave it wings

And now they've raised five children, one winter they lost a son
But the pain didn't leave them crippled and the scars have made them strong
Never picture perfect, just a plain man and his wife
Who somehow knew the value of hard work, good love and real life

Talk about your miracles, talk about your faith
My dad he could make things grow out of Indiana clay
Mom could make a gourmet meal out of just cornbread and beans
And they worked to give faith hands and feet and somehow gave it wings.