Aw...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070614/ap_on_re_us/billy_graham_burial
My middle name Ruth, was named for Ruth Bell Graham, a family friend; not only is she Presbyterian (my dad's side of the family) but she attended Wheaton College at the same time my grandparents (Jim & Elisabeth Elliot) went. I directed the reader's theatre version of her life story, Footprints of a Pilgrim at Trevecca. Wheaton is where two cousins on my dad's side went, it is where I attended a CS Lewis conference and met my good friend Cacie, and it is where my sister, mother (and grandparents mentioned above) went. I've been to Montreat and the Billy Graham Museum at Wheaton, but I haven't been to the museum at Charlotte. Once when I was 8 yo, my grandmother took me to dinner at Ruth's home (near the Cove -where my parents have been-). We drove up the long private driveway (first waiting at the large entrance gate to open) and heard 2 lovely German Shepherds barking like crazy. As we parked and got out, Ruth serenely walked out, cool, calm and collected, with the most gracious, warm, sweet smile on her face, telling the dogs to be quiet. They immediately obeyed her and then we went inside for Chinese takeout. (Ruth spent some of her life as a MK in China and has had a favorite Chinese restaurant near her home for years - she recommends it to people, etc.:)) Their mansion was soooo beautiful, filled with good books, and the warm comforting feeling of HOME. Billy was "on tour" of course, but I remember that day so well... she truly is a beloved "saint of God." Will you join me in prayer for their family? I've heard Franklin and Anne G. Lotz both speak as well. Maybe it is time for her to be with her Savior.