Last Christmas, when Mom, at age 95, was ill and on her way to the hospital, she said, “Lord, I’m not ready to go to heaven; I’ve got too many friends who don’t know Jesus.” The Lord gave Mom another six months.

To honor my mother’s desire for everyone to know Jesus, I submit this letter. Mom was born in 1918, which is also the year that Billy Graham was born. Back then, America better understood why “our Lord” is in our Constitution and why we place our hands on the Bible when taking an oath.

Ardena Tipton was born at home in the rural community of Alta Vista, Colorado. She married Fred Ullom in 1935. Three boys (Troy, Virgil, Cecil) and one daughter (Connie) were blessed to have them as parents.

One of the amazing things about the Bible is that it teaches us that everyone has sinned. We have all chosen to do what is wrong. We knew that God didn’t want us to do it, but we thought it was going to be better than God’s way.

Every person has done wrong – except One. This One is the reason we celebrate Christmas and Easter. Some think that if their good deeds outweigh their evil ones, they will go to heaven. If that were possible, Christ would not have had to come and die on a cruel cross for our sins.

At this time of Mom’s departing, family and many friends are saying very kind and sincere words. Mom lived a beautiful life because she was changed by being a follower of Christ. To say good-bye to her is a heart-wrenching experience. But it is also a time of rejoicing and of celebrating.

Time on earth is temporary. Heaven and hell are permanent. Each of us have a choice. Mom – and every follower of our Lord – would assure you that He is the way to abundant and eternal life. See John 3:16.

VIRGIL ULLOM, DDS

Babson Park