A tribute to Juliana Devoy

To my beloved mother Sister Juliana:
“…Because the Lord said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

God’s Footprints

One night in deepest sleep, I dreamed
Upon the beach I walked.
The Lord was by my side each step
As quietly we talked.
Then on the sky my life appeared;
Each chapter was serene
Two sets of footprints in the sand
I saw in every scene.
And then I noticed in some parts
Of discontent and strife,
Just a single pair of footprints
In the worst times of my life.
“Lord, you said you’d walk by me,
In good times and in bad.”
“Why then weren’t you with me
When you knew my life was sad?”
“My dearest child,” God whispered,
“When you suffered then, I knew;
The single pair of footprints were those times I carried you.”

This is a poem you sent to me.
On the morning of December 14, the sky was suddenly dark. I knew you were gone.
A few days ago, I went to the hospital to visit you. There were so many people who visited you. We could only take a short turn each. How much love you gave to people, how many people loved you.
I remembered you, braving the sun, carrying heavy food, visiting me. When I was in an ordeal, I kept every letter you wrote to me intact, and it was full of a mother’s deep love.
A month ago, I went to visit you. You took a photo with me and were reluctant to let me go. You wanted me to see you more. Thinking back now, I was stupid and didn’t understand your love and thoughts. I am sorry and feel heartbroken.
Since we met in the early 90s, your graces of kindness and compassion have been countless. When I am lost and helpless, the love, warmth and help you gave me are the light in the dark, supporting me go ahead, stand up, and have the courage to go on. You forgave my ignorance and mistakes time and time again, because you said that God wants to forgive people not 7 times, but 77 times. You said that God is the God of forgiveness.
I recall that when you went to buy fruit, you would pick the worst one up. In your 80s, you climbed the spiral staircase to work every day. You worked hard to help all the suffering people, to eat with them, and live in one place. You gave the most selfless love to all suffering women and children.
Rest in peace, my most beloved mother. Your coming to the world was a blessing from God to women and children who are suffering. You are our mother and protect the children for a safe journey.
Your kindness and smile, and your love, will always remain in our hearts.
May Iong