Andre's grandfather, Nikolay, went home to be with the Lord last night. We are grieving for ourselves at the loss of his presence, but rejoice as we think of him experiencing a new and perfect body in the presence of Jesus. And I can't help thinking of him being reunited with his wife, Baba Neena, after 12 years. Lord, we praise you for Deada's life and the legacy of faith he gave to his family.
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| Neena and Nikolay |
Deada was from Russia but lived in Kazakhstan for most of his life where he practiced radiology and was a loved and respected doctor. He and Baba Needa had six children (two girls and four boys) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was persecuted for his faith many times and to me, he is a hero of the faith! Lord, we praise you for his deep and unwavering example of faith.
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| At our wedding, November 2004 |
He immigrated to the US about 10 years ago (in his 70s!) and I have been privileged to know him and be part of his family. It was so special to have him at our wedding in 2004 and then have him meet each of our children. We have just enjoyed a two week visit with him after Thanksgiving when he met Sophia for the first time. She adored him and always gave him her biggest smiles! Lord, we praise you for those special memories.
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| Meeting Jack, June 2010 |
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| Meeting Sophia, November 2012 |
He was in his 80s but seemed in good health up until a week ago when he was admitted to hospital for abdominal pain. Upon investigation, the doctors thought he had colon cancer but couldn't do the necessary exploratory surgery due to his continued weakness. After the weekend in ICU, Deada went into kidney failure yesterday and was put on a ventilator. He passed away peacefully last night with both his daughters (Mama and Lyudmilla) with him, as well as two of his grand-daughters (Andre's sister Olga and his cousin, Yuliya) and their husbands. Lord, we praise you that family was around him and that many of us got to say goodbye to him over Skype.
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| Recent visit, November-December 2012 |
Andre is driving up there with his cousin Ella, to be with his family and handle the funeral arrangements and settle all Deada's affairs. His mom was Deada's caregiver after she immigrated here five years ago so Andre will help her organize everything.
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| Three generations, Nikolay, daughter Natailya, grandson Andre |
Praise God for a life well lived and a lasting legacy of faith! We will miss you greatly Deada!
2 comments:
So sorry for your loss, Christy, but praise the Lord for the legacy of faith! May God's arms of comfort surround & uphold you and Andre & his family during this time.
Many prayers for you all! What an amazing and inspirational life! Love to you and Andre!
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