Friday, February 18, 2022
MY AUNT DENISE- Joan (Farabaugh) Pitchler
Denise was a very gentle and reserved person which I had the pleasure to know more in her later years. Growing up, I was at least 12 years difference than her which would totally put me at a different level in interest and activities. Although I do specifically remember one. Denise had invited my sister Ann to go horseback riding at a nearby stables. Horse crazed as I was at an early age (found out years later that my Granddad George Farabaugh loved horses), I immediately through a tantrum but it did not work. So I know she liked horses and I also know she liked history, because of the many books up in the bedroom….The Civil War especially. That always interested me because of the number of times my family visited Gettysburg and Devils Den.
I met Denise later, when I was in my early twenties. I was living at Grandma Glasstetters house and Denise had just been brought back from New York, I believe. I was not up on all the family secrets, but I do remember speaking to her one morning in the kitchen alone. She seemed to be searching and very open to conversation. I had various things happen in my life up to this point which had brought me to my Salvation and accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I was able to share these things with her that day. Whether she accepted Jesus then, or I just planted a seed, Denise’s life went on to be a testimony and miracle of God’s enduring love for us all.
I was happy to hear of her marriage to Bob and the various ministries and worship they were doing. I do remember seeing her once more before her and Bob moved to New York. Christa was very young. Sorry to say, I got caught up in my own life and family, but would here wonderful things from my parents who would make their rounds visiting family members. I regret not having taken the time to have visited myself.
But God is good and made a way for us to get together, in His time. I was able to meet back up with Denise through Christa, who photographed our youngest son Jacob for his Senior High School photos. Denise was still doing her street ministries and very much into doing God’s work. Of course, she was blessed to have Christa and Ethan who stood with her up to her passing. She has taught me much in the short time I have known her. God is there and will sustain us through all of our trials and circumstances. He uses these things to help and bless others, even when we ourselves can not see it and barely can handle it, His grace is there and is sufficient. My last conversation with Denise,(two weeks before her passing) I believe she was more at peace than she was since her turn with depression and such. She was no longer the rebellious person, but more the open and seeking soul I had met years ago in Grandma’s kitchen. I know she is at peace and with my mom and all our family members who have put their trust in Jesus and His saving love and grace.
PRAISE GOD,PRAISE THE LORD!
