Hostess in June

By Johanna Johnson

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

One of the first things you could see walking into my grandparents’ home was a shelf full of guestbooks. These two dozen or so volumes contain the names of people well-known and un-known from all over the world, reflecting the many places my grandparents lived in their lives: South Dakota, Germany, Mexico City, Ethiopia, New York City, Pennsylvania, Los Angeles… Were these people all their dearest friends? Perhaps not before the door was opened to them, but by the time they had left the warm home my grandma cultivated, they had become brothers and sisters, leaving their mark, as so many others had, on the lives and hearts of the entire Solberg family.

Grandma June was the epitome of Hostess. Whether it be a stranger at the door, or a friend of a friend, or someone she had known for years, one was invited in, offered food and drink from what was sometimes a humble supply, and soon enough made to feel like the most interesting, important, and wonderful person in the world. This was the gift of June. Her warmth was undeniable and contagious, and she treated everyone she met like he or she was indeed an angel, sent from God to change June’s life. Beautiful artwork that decorated my grandparents’ home reflected the love they shared and received, as the people in their lives imparted these lovely gifts to them in gratitude for all that they had to give.

Grandma June now lives in an Alzheimer’s unit, hardly able to speak, but still bestowing her warm glow on everyone she encounters. Just to be in the presence of this amazing woman of faith is to feel the very warmth and love of God.