1-46pm
It was with a great deal of sadness that I heard of the passing of one of my most loyal readers – a great friend of my brother’s and a wonderful follower of Christ – Michal Paynter. Julian called her “Shel” and introduced her to me and to my blog a few years ago. She became an avid follower of what I wrote and introduced others to this website as well.
Julian first met Shel around 25 years ago and had a great rapport with her. Then life happened and they lost touch until about 2008, when Facebook reunited them. From then on a fabulous friendship developed that resulted in regular Wednesday dinners and many Saturday lunches. Special occasions also always included Michal.
Shel was a generous, kind, outgoing, compassionate person who, for many years, was a much loved high school geography and maths teacher. She left a lasting impact on her learners and left teaching only because she was boarded due to ill health.
She loved going out. She loved shows and theatre and musicals and always joined Julian and his daughter Jessica when there were celebrations to be had. Here they are on the balloon at Monte Casino….
Throughout 2014, Shel was looking forward to visiting Egypt with one of her best friends, Gill, and her family to celebrate the wedding of Gill’s daughter. The dates were set (21st December until 4th January) and Shel persuaded Julian to go with her. As December approached, Shel’s health deteriorated, but she was determined to go. On one of her final visits to the doctor, she asked his opinion and he said it was her call. She decided to go ahead and when she did so, Julian said he would help her.
The holiday was an exciting time for all 14 of the group who were going. Shel struggled with her health and at times seemed to suffer terribly, but kept going and got involved in as many activities as possible. One of the most memorable things that happened was on Christmas Day while the group were visiting the pyramids. Some of the group were taking advantage of camel rides. When Shel heard this, she said she wanted to get on a camel. Several of her friends tried their hardest to discourage her, but she was determined and kept on saying, “I really want to get on a camel.” Her condition was weak and it was a huge effort for her to get on and off the bus, let alone walk to where the camels were. So her friends asked the tour guide if a camel could come to the bus. The camel owners were happy to oblige. With a great deal of help from her friends, Shel got her wish and climbed on the back of the camel…
Many photos were taken and there was lots of fun and laughter.
Shortly after their return to Johannesburg, Shel was admitted to hospital with extreme difficulty in breathing. She seemed to have multiple organ failure and two days later her condition deteriorated further. Julian saw her each evening. She reaffirmed that she was glad she went to Egypt and had a wonderful time. She said she had no regrets.
Yesterday, she took a turn for the worst and passed away at lunchtime. It was a huge shock to all who travelled with her, to all the Paynter family, to her church family and all the other lives she has touched.
While we mourn for Shel, she rejoices in eternity. No more pain. Perfect peace. She loved the Lord. She did things right. She kept short accounts. She will be hugely missed.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Be ready.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx
Shel cruising down the Nile celebrating with a coke!