I have many fond memories of my mother-in-laws life, since first meeting her 47 years ago as a lean, 155-pound kid interested in dating and getting to know her and her husbands daughter, Lanetta, to the day she went to be with Jesus and the heavenly hosts. In many ways she was like a second mom, treating me more like a son than son-in-law. She was a wonderful cook, always making you feel welcome in her home. She was a woman of compassion and deep faith; modeling Christ-likeness to all she encountered. She had, without complaint, a servants heart. She and Mr. Meador taught their children integrity and true character, loyalty, honesty and faithfulness to spouses, family and more importantly to Almighty God. Im thankful for her (and Mr. Meadors) clear demonstration that marriage is a true commitment, a covenant that lasts far beyond broken rules or broken hearts. A pledge that isnt to be taken lightly, and something a loving spouse doesnt just give up on. It was an observable demonstration of Christs love and commitment to us as His bride (the Church) and our commitment to Him as the bride groom. On those few and far between occasions she would get perturbed or flustered with anyone, she was quick to forgive and reconcile. She avoided being confrontational but if one ever got on her bad side for transgression you knew it; a look, subtle gesture or tempered chiding signaled her displeasure; promptly followed by open arms of love and consideration of the other person. In this regard she mirrored Christs compassion for us (Romans 5:8). She was a bigtime Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and golf fan. She also liked the Baylor Lady Bears basketball team. Although I never heard her say a curse word, I imagine there were times she could have been tempted, while watching her favorite football team snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, baseball team blow a lead in the 9th inning, a favored golfer missing a makeable putt or a game winning shot hit the rim and bounce away. As much as she loved sports, she loved family much more and that is something I will remember with great adoration. Parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, out-laws children and childrens children were all loved and prayed for by her. As Christians, we are bitter-sweet for her passing: sad that she is no longer here to continue to be an influence in our lives, but her legacy lives on as we incorporate the Christ-like attributes she demonstrated throughout her life, but delighted she is now with Jesus walking streets of gold and fellowshipping with the Lord, her husband, family and friends that went before and all the Saints of old. Paul said to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. She accepted Jesus as her savior and has her name written in the Lambs Book of Life. We know where she is no more pain or suffering, no more exposure to this fallen world but in total peace. I know she would want all of us to join her. Short of the Second Coming of Christ, we all will have to experience death at some time. I look forward to seeing her again at some future time, because I know my name is in the Lambs Book of Life. If your name isnt she would encourage you to accept Jesus as your savior so that it is and she can meet and fellowship with you in the future. My mother-in-law was and still is an awesome woman. Its not goodbye, but until we meet again.