Dear Cassie, Claude, Eric and Families: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me!" Indeed, Aunt Dot loved you,(her children), and all her grand-children and great grand-children...infact she loved everyone...especially if you dropped in for a visit! Aunt Dot's sweet smile and listening ear always made me feel special whenever we visited, as kids, with Mom and Dad; Sidney and Hazel Gates. Yes, those were the 'good ol' days' for sure. All were sure to get a huge hug and kiss, with a 'God Bless you' thrown in from Uncle Able when he open the door and from Aunt Dot before you'd reach the kitchen table. And before you knew it you'd be sittin' 'round the table eating an awesome meal and listening to "Yarns from Pigeon Inlet", as I used to call Dad and Uncle Able's stories... with each story ending in a great big knee-slappin' laugh!! Our Mom loved her Aunt Dot! They used to call each other daily over the years, and they'd laugh together as they shared funny stories, and the ups and downs of everyday life. Aunt Dot was always there to listen to what you had to say. I'll always remember Aunt Dot's caring and compassionate way, as she'd always allow you to share what was on your mind...and she'd offer advise when she could. Yes, your Mom was a Special lady, and I'm sure you all know that as much as she loved you all, she equally Loved her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!! She was always heard humming and softly singing an old Hymn... while she'd knit, read her Bible or do house work. Praise and prayer were always on her lips. On a couple occasions we attended Aunt Dot's home Church (Hillgrade Pentecostal Church) next door... memorable services indeed with Pastor Gidge's powerful preaching. Our daughter Sarah was almost one and a half at the time. Aunt Dot loved to make her laugh and play with her hair... Sarah loved it. Yes, Aunt Dot loved the Lord, she trusted in Him and she 'knew the way'!! "Absent from the body, present with the Lord!" It's so hard indeed to say goodbye to your Mom, it's the hardest thing one might ever do, still we can rejoice in knowing that One Day we shall meet again..."In the sweet bye and bye... on that Beautiful shore... Oh, what a day of rejoicing that will be... when we All see Jesus... we'll sing and shout the Victory!!" Aunt Dot has touched the lives of so many people over the years and thru her life she has shared Christ's love and the Gospel message. Her faithfullness has impacted my life and for that I say "Thanks Aunt Dot!" Today you'll say Goodbye...until we meet again... you will miss your Mom each passing moment and with each passing day you'll be able to say "Thank You Mom" ...for giving us life, love, laughter ...and Eternity in our hearts... For there's no greater Gift...equalled only by a Mother's LOVE!!! We're praying for you and all the family on this difficult day...praying God's Peace will flood your hearts and comfort your soul with His Presence and Love. God Bless you all and God Bless Aunt Dot! We love you! Stay strong in The Lord!! Love and Prayers, John, Sunita, Sarah & Josh Gates Ontario
