Worth Far More Than Rubies

Monday marked one month since my best friend's mom passed away. Aldeana taught me a number of things. Some of the lessons were through her fantastic kids and amazing grandkids, but many were from watching her live. She loved the Lord, her family, people, life, and games. Her vivaciousness caught people off guard and her tenderness drew them in. I wanted to share what I gleaned from her so that maybe others could learn from her as well even if they never got the chance to meet her. If she taught you something please, please add to my list.

• No matter how much you're hurting someone around you is hurting more and you may be the one God wants to use to help them or show them His love.
• Be honest! If something sucks don't whitewash it, say so.
  
• Care for those our society forgets or places no value on (especially children and the elderly).
  
• Love people! Everyone desires to be known and loved. God can use you to show them He knows them and loves them deeply. Ask people questions about themselves, care for them, desire to know them, care for their children.
  
• Admit my parenting mistakes to my children, ask forgiveness, and be sure they know how deep my love for them is. "...love covers over a multitude of sins" 1 Pet 4:8
• Be excited about the things your kids are excited about. ("I cant believe my mother bought me a nose ring to go with my Easter outfit!" - Talicia)
• LOVE the Lord! Make Him the most precious thing in your life. Those around you will reap the blessings!
• Being married to someone in ministry means you are in ministry. It is hard, but worth it.
• Love people with all your heart even though it means your heart will be broken regularly.
  
• Trust the Lord.
• Be silly and enjoy life.
• Marriage can be even more exciting, joyous, and romantic after 40 years than it was on your wedding day.

Thank you, Aldeana! Your ministry and legacy are going strong!

Aldeana's obituary:

Aldeana Hinkle - Yucaipa loses a special sweetheart

Published: Thursday, May 28, 2009 11:13 PM PDT

Aldeana Hinkle, 66, the wife of Don Hinkle, pastor of Yucaipa Christian Church, stepped into God’s presence Friday morning, May 22, at 6:15 a.m.

Born July 28, 1942, in Dodge City, Kansas – she was the oldest of four children of Dean and Mildred Robins. Her dad was a preacher and from her folks she learned to love and minister to people from every walk of life. She spent her high school years in Elkhart, Kansas, and graduated from Midwest Christian College in Oklahoma City with a Bachelor of Arts Ministerial in 1964.

One year earlier – June 7, 1963, she married Don. They began their family in 1965 with a daughter, Tawndi – born in Oklahoma City. She was followed by Trey in 1968 after the family’s move to Escondido and then Talicia in 1978 in Santa Clara/San Jose.

Aldeana lived in California 42 years, the last 16 in Yu-caipa. She loved music all her life and most recently taught piano with the Adult Edu-cation Program. She encouraged and supported her husband and children. She em-braced all who came across her path.


Her desire was to follow the Good Shepherd and not rush ahead. She considered her final surgery (the one from which she would not regain consciousness) her best act of worship – trusting God fully with her life.

Despite almost 35 years of serious illness, Aldeana maintained a vibrant spirit and authentic loving attitude. She was an incredible lady who dearly loved babies and young moms. She made everyone feel special because she saw them as a creation of God, valuable in His sight.

Thousands will miss her, but especially her husband, Don – her children, Tawndi Wohlwend and her husband, Chris; Trey Hinkle and his wife, Peggy, and Talicia. She leaves eight grandchildren to carry on her legacy – six Wohlwends: JonMarke, Raine, Kellyn, Jaron, Cason, Grace; and two Hinkles: Jayana and Donovanne. She is survived as well by her sister, Dee Akers and brothers Sam and David Robins (all from Norman, Oklahoma), along with their families.

“Her death brings us much sorrow,” said Yucaipa Mayor Dck Riddell. “She was a great citizen and I thought the world of her.”

“It’s hard to imagine a world without Aldeana,” said Judy Dunnistoun. “She was an example of grace, love, and mischief! If we could all be half of the person she was, this world would be a better place. Her life was the epitome of what following Christ should look like. I miss her already.”

“My dearest friend, Aldeana. She was my mirror shining back at me with a world of possibilities,” said Angela Shepard. “She was my witness, who saw me at my worst and best, and loved me anyway. A friend loves at all times.” –Proverbs 17:17

“More than a mom, more than a mentor, more than a friend. Aldeana was an angel who walked among men,” said Olin Richey, YCC music pastor. “There are a few occasions in life when someone spectacular comes along, and she was one of those people. She gave of herself, even when physically there wasn't that much to give. She battled for years with what for others would have been debilitating pain, and yet served everyone she knew.”

“From a young mother struggling to raise her children, to seniors who were trying to get their earthly possessions together; everyone knew they could count on Aldeana for support. She taught music to little children and piano to adults with a spirit of encouragement that spurred us all on to greatness. She leaves many holes.” Richey added.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Yucaipa Christian Church, 12964 Bryant St.