A Day to Remember

Friday June 26
A Day to Remember
It all depends on what is important to you. On Thursday June 25, the world was shocked to hear of the death of super star singer Michael Jackson. Because, depending on the time of the year, we are either six or seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard time and therefore nine to ten hours ahead of the West Coast, the news came here when it was already Friday but still Thursday in the United States. Needless to say, it has created as big a stir here in Cape Town as it has all over the world. In South Africa we did have some competing stories. For example, Bafana, Bafana, the national football team played Brazil. Against all hopes they lost and are no doubt thankful Michael pushed them off the front pages of the news. I have watched with interest as stories that have the power to change nations, such as that in Iran have been pushed to the background because of the Jackson death. Like most everyone else I was shocked but perhaps not surprised. It is a sad fact that creative genius in almost any genre creates havoc with people's personal lives. But long before the news of Jackson broke through the media I was celebrating June 25 for a very precious reason. It was my mother's birthday. Well into her eighties she has battled and triumphed over different health issues and served as a rock of love, direction and an example of incredible faith to her children, grandchildren and countless others in the churches, Bible studies, horticultural groups and other places. We all depend on her prayer life and I recall many times when I travelled in some risky area of the world, I told people I was confident because my mother was praying. Today she is a friend, confidant and advisor to all of her family and none of us look forward to the day God will call her home and she wil join our Dad in heaven. In 2007 my mother already 80, took the long journey and came with me to Cape Town! In one day we both say goodbye and affirm long life! I loved to see Michael Jackson perform, but my mother 's impact is the lasting one!