Kees

In March I remember my older brother Kees, who was born on March 13, 1931, and died in 1949 at the age of 18. I have never seen a more passionate christian then Kees was. When he died I had a hard time, and yes, I was even mad at God. I could not understand why God would allow cancer to kill this dedicated young man.

We lived in Haarlem, in Holland and we had just come through the war. Kees was in the middle of his final exams for his highschool diploma when he died and sent shockwaves through the entire school. That was 1949.
49 years later, in 1998, I was, and still am, living in Winnipeg when I met an old schoolmate here. That was remarkable enough, imagine meeting an old classmate and soccer buddy all the way over here. And yes, Harry remembered Kees! This is what what he said:" What I remember about Kees was his Joyful Faith!!"

After 49 years the testimony of Kees is still alive! OK, I will ask the question:"What will your testimony be 49 years from now?" In my mind there is something wonderfully permanent about Kees and his testimony. And I am not mad at God anymore.