Biso is Mary’s boy. I met Mary two years ago when she and
her mother were trying their best to enjoy a muzungu Christmas meal at the
Luckey’s house where all the misfits (including me) gathered for food and
fellowship. As part of the Afayo project, the Luckey’s identified Mary as
having a very high risk pregnancy in part because of having congenital heart
failure. Because of the tender care offered up by this team of missionaries,
Mary survived the pregnancy and delivery which resulted in healthy baby Kevin.
Mary was the second wife to her husband, who chose to live
with his first wife and their eight children. His responsibilities, as is not uncommon,
exceeded his abilities and so Mary and their first son, Biso, stayed with her
mother even after baby Kevin came. But just a short time ago, Mary went to be
with Jesus leaving Biso and baby Kevin behind. Biso, as you might expect of any
3-year-old, doesn’t quite understand where his mother is or when she’ll come
home.
Frank is Judy’s husband. I met Frank and Judy many, many
years ago as we all worshipped at New Life Christian Fellowship. Frank was a
funny man, a man filled with an abundance of love and compassion. When my own
husband died unexpectedly Frank and Judy…sitting just a few chairs down from
me…could often be found wrapping their arms around me. Frank died just a few
days ago, April 6, and my heart breaks to be so very far away and not be able
to wrap my arms around Judy.
Biso’s ongoing state of confusion meant that he needed some
arms wrapped around him…and so I gave him the Frank dolly. That boy’s face lit
up, although only momentarily, but the children who immediately surrounded him
seemed to quickly comprehend. Biso had a new friend to remind him of his maama
and of all the people who love him like Jesus does even when his maama isn’t
around.
Frank, your love continues on.