My grandparents, Muriel and Homer Brown, were Christian missionaries, in China. This moving letter was written by Muriel, just after the death of her almost 3 year-old son, Homer.
Chungking China Apr 24th, 1934
My Dear Isabel:-
About noon to-day, Homer slipped quietly away from us, just yesterday our hopes were strong. For over a month he made such a gallant fight and the doctors gave him such splendid service, but the infection was too strong. So quietly he left us, so peaceful he looks in his white silk casket with pink roses at his feet that we cannot think of death as some arch enemy…. God’s messenger sent to take back to him the treasure he had loaned us for nearly three years.
What a treasure he was,, and how I give thanks with my whole Being that we did so thoroughly appreciate and enjoy him while we had him. how little we realized is was for so short a time. He was so intensely alive so filled with the joy of living, so radiant so abounding in energy and love that just to think of him even to-day, saves one from grieving,. We cannot but weep and the tears will often fall during the coming weeks and months, but there will be no bitterness in them.
Concerned in the great joy of your return to us, borne during such months of happiness, — and the wonder of that night I first held him in my arms, and looked into your faces, as you stood about the bed to welcome him, How I love the picture of you three sisters, with dear father holding the light and looking with such love upon us all. Then such a healthy babyhood.
I an sorry you missed this year with him. But of this I am sure. Many a man has lived to a ripe old age, and given less joy than Homer in his short life. He has radiated friendliness and put life and interest into many a drab life, almost daily.. For this and thy mercies we thank Thee, O Lord.
Reincarnation sometimes makes quite an appeal. I like to think of the little fellow starting out again soon, and shedding joy to others as he did to us.
We had a very nice service this morning at eleven. Then the little white silk covered casket was wrapped in an oil sheet and father, Mr. Jones and Mr. McCurdy took what was left of the little dear for his last ride.
It has pleased us much to think of this last ride being with the man who gave him so very many bi bi rides. Mr. Mitchel was always so nice with him, and was so good about making the arrangements for taking him to-day. He flew right by the agency and waved a farewell for the little lad.
The tears are going to flow all too easily, for a time I fear but I can’t feel God minds that a bit, you will shed yours also and then like us will square your shoulders as you adjust them to a little bigger load, that the world may continue to be better because of that little life that shed so much joy these nearly three years.
Be good to Julia.
lovingly so lovingly
Mother