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Room Blessing

on September 21st, 2017 by Rebeccca

The Mennonite Nursing Home here in Rosthern does a couple of things to make the passing of a loved one a little easier for the family members. When we arrived back to “Galen’s room” on Wednesday morning, the bed had a white covering over it with a white rose and a card for us. Then after we had his belongings cleared from the room, family, friends and staff were invited to a room blessing. Following is a written record of what was presented:

Room Blessing: Service of Farewell for Galen Kennel

Prayer of Remembrance: Loving God, You have blessed us with the opportunity to know Galen. Thank you for how the doors opened for Galen to be here at the “Mennonite Nursing Home”. We cared for him. We watched over him as he was letting go of his earthly journey. He was a kind soul that blessed everyone around him. The past 9 weeks were so difficult for Galen and Rebecca, yet, they found a way to rise above the pain. Thank-you Lord for the amazing support they have felt from their family and friends. Our earthly journey is often surrounded with mystery and unanswered questions.  We are all spiritual beings having an earthly experience! Holy One…we thank you for how You watched over Galen and gave him the needed strength. Thank-you for Your unlimited mercy and kindness that falls on all of us!     In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit we pray. AMEN
All: We have cared for Galen very well. He is now in a place of peace…completely in God’s everlasting and infinite presence.
Amos: We treasure the times we shared with Galen. We honor him today by remembering him as we say farewell.
All: We are all affected by his death. His leaving this world forces us to face change.
Amos: This room seems so empty without Galen. His energy and his presence here will be greatly missed. Today, we will remember him.
Time of Sharing by Staff:
Closing Prayer: Holy One… we thank you for the time where we could care for Galen. Thank you Lord that he is now completely in Your care and in Your full presence. You have healed him and he has been restored in the eternal home where there is no more suffering and no more pain.
Today we pray for a blessing for all our residents…who live here at the MNH and call this their home. Our hope is that they all sense Your compassion and care through us. May this room be a welcoming and safe haven for the next person who will be moving in. May Your love, through us, give peace to all who live here at the MNH, and, to the family and friends that come to visit.       AMEN

| Posted in Galen

18 Responses to “Room Blessing”

  1. Shauna
    September 21st, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    Oh how nice! I hope the blessing brought you comfort Rebecca.

  2. Kathy Schweitzer
    September 21st, 2017 at 7:09 pm

    Beautiful, Becky, thank you for sharing. Galen truly was a special person. I’m sure he impacted the workers with his sweet spirit.

  3. Rachel A Hickman
    September 21st, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    This is very special. Thank you for sharing it with us. Thankful for the care they were able to give to Galen and you during your time there.

  4. Wendell
    September 21st, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    Wow! Thoughtful gesture toward bringing closure.

  5. Byron and Judy Gardner
    September 21st, 2017 at 7:46 pm

    What an amazing thing to do ! I got goose bumps as I read about the service. I almost felt that we were there. Of every denomination there are flaws and faults but this makes be proud to be of the Mennonite faith. Love and peace to you
    Byron and Judy

  6. Mary Ann Holdeman
    September 21st, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m glad that Galen was in such a good facility.

  7. Darlene MacDonald
    September 21st, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    What a wonderful way to acknowledge the presence of Galen in this room and to bid a farewell to him and his spirit. . May this service bring you comfort.

  8. Irene Lautner
    September 21st, 2017 at 8:36 pm

    Sorry for your loss Rebecca but we would not have wanted Galen to suffer any longer. Yes the MNH does a great job of the farewell that they present in the room of our loved ones. I will be thinking of you and keeping in touch.

  9. John and Pat
    September 21st, 2017 at 10:45 pm

    A very special and fitting closure, so gentle and compassionate both in regard to Galen but equally for his beloved wife, his family and friends.
    …. Not known for nearly long enough- God’s speed with the Eagle dear Galen xxx

  10. Luana
    September 22nd, 2017 at 6:10 am

    That is lovely. Galen was special and I am so glad he was treated so well.

  11. Vauhn
    September 22nd, 2017 at 6:33 am

    What a fitting closure on the chapter at the nursing home. I’m grateful you’ve had caring loving folks around you.

  12. Lorraine Browne
    September 22nd, 2017 at 7:33 am

    I have never read a more beautiful prayer for passing. Thank you so much for sharing the love and caring that is surrounding you at this time.

  13. Jim
    September 22nd, 2017 at 8:25 am

    This shows how both Galen & Rebecca have touched so many, even though some of the staff likely only met them less than 2 short months ago! You are both amazing…hugs Rebecca!

  14. Ruth and Gary vogt
    September 22nd, 2017 at 9:35 am

    That was so very special. Thinking of you Becky. Galen was so very special man
    Love to alll

  15. Donna &Jim
    September 22nd, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    That was a beautiful prayer. Galen was a kind soul and we were blessed and thankful that we knew him. We are so sorry Rebecca.

  16. Janine Kennel Rands
    September 23rd, 2017 at 7:45 am

    Rebecca and family,
    A blessed closing at the Menno Nursing Home. I too, had the visual of the love and care in this blessing. Galen’s memories and gifts to the world will never be forgotten, by those whose lives he touched.

  17. Aryana
    September 24th, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    Thank you Rebecca. We are far apart but really never apart. Love.

  18. Connie Calvert
    September 24th, 2017 at 10:08 pm

    What a lovely way to say goodbye to Galen. I’m so glad this care facility was there when you both needed their support. Thinking of you Rebecca with all my sympathy.

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