Outside the snow is fallin' . . .

Faith is believing all power can't be seen.
Thank you, Josh Groban! I have come to believe so many things in these past several days. My father-in-law, Ray VanderHoek, passed away January 29. There were many times we did not see eye-to-eye. His conservative Christian-Reformed background did not always gel with my liberal views. He "flew by the seat of his pants" while I live by planners, calendars, and sticky notes. He was a creative soul, able to see something out of nothing, while I like predictabily. Like I said, Ray sometimes drove me crazy but one thing is certain: I learned so much about life from this man in the last twelve years. . . and it was not until the last twelve days that I become truly cognizant of it.
On his death bed, Ray voiced his faith with the clarity many of us will never experience. He faced death without fear, and with an excitement and anticipation that we are taught to have. His physical body was failing him by the moment, but his spiritual self was at its peak. In days when we family members were at his side to give him comfort, it was Ray who was providing us with the strength to cope with our loss.
Ray, thank you for all you taught this stubborn girl. Thank you for making your son what he is today - a loving, caring, affectionate husband and father; a skilled builder, repairman, and woodworker; an unselfish friend. You will remain in my heart forever.

Seeks has spoken.