What Matters
Today I lost a friend to breast cancer.
We knew her time was drawing near, even if she didn’t want to admit it. I was pulling my thoughts together on things to say to her to honor her and who she has been to me. When I went to visit her in the hospital today, I didn’t want to deliver empty, pithy thoughts or phrases. I wanted to tell her how valuable a friend she was to me. I wanted to let her know that who she was for the 10 years I’ve known her was someone who’s lessons and words I would carry with me for a very long time. I wanted to tell her that as long as I’ve known her she has been an example of peace and quiet strength.
Then the phone call came. I never got to tell her. How many times have we been told to tell people how we feel about them before it is too late? She and I did always have conversations, however, when we would agree that we just knew what each other was thinking. I’ll take refuge in that, and in the fact that I know she is with her Lord. God in heaven has welcomed His child with open arms and will grant joy and peace to those she has left behind….in time.
She was 42 and blessed with a loving husband, and two beautiful children who now will find their way without her. She was a picture of gracious and unconditional love. She listened well. She was confident and passionate about sharing her faith and her love for her Lord through music and caring for others. You knew you were valuable…because she told you you were.