A lot has been going on.
We've been working on the chicken coop and trying to finish that up. I can't wait to show you the photos.
Life in general has been moving steadily forward. I just haven't been able to talk about it. My heart has been too heavy with concern for my sweet friend Amy.
The last year has been a tough one for her, but the last few weeks have steadily become more difficult.
Last Thursday Amy came home from another short stay in the hospital. She came home with hospice care. She came home to spend her last days in the comfort of her own home, in the excellent care of her loving husband, and surrounded by her wonderful family.
On Saturday, June 1st, my beloved friend passed away. She went home to be with the Lord.
Amy is free! No more cancer! No more liver disease! No more being weary! No more pain! She is in the presence of our Savior and Lord! She is healed and rejoicing! My heart is so glad!
However, my heart also aches terribly. There will be no more coffee chats, or trips to Ikea, or laughing till our faces hurt. These "no mores" make the tears flow freely down.
That is when I know I need the comfort of counting the blessings and giving thanks!
The blessing of watching our children grow by leaps and bounds. Watching them become the best of friends. Loving each other's children like our own!
We've watched our kiddos playing legos on the porch!
We've been crafty,
and we've laughed and laughed till someone close by teases us that we're having too much fun!
We've talked about the joys and the occasional struggles of being a woman, a mom, and a wife. We've covered our families in prayer together.
We've been blessed to do all these things and so much more.
We've been blessed to share life's highs and lows over the last decade.
I'm thankful that Amy and I have built a beautiful friendship!
In 2010, we even enjoyed a vacation together in Grand Marais, her favorite place! Amy and her family went on ahead a few days before us. We parted with excitement for the day we planned to meet up exclaiming, "We will meet you there!" Oh how wonderful it was the day we reunited! We were full of anticipation for the days ahead and the glorious fun we knew we were going to have. It was a trip where we made lasting, wonderful memories!
Once again, Amy has gone on ahead. She has entered heaven's gates before me. She has left many loved ones behind, but only for awhile.
Before she left I repeated those words, "One day my friend, I will meet you there!"
The days ahead will bring joy and gladness that all is well for Amy, some of those days will also bring tears, and each day will be filled with the anticipation that one day we will be reunited! On that day we will have glorious fun! We will sing the praises of our Lord together! We will continue our beautiful friendship as though no time has passed!
Christine
1 comment:
This is a beautiful tribute, Christine. I especially love all the pictures. You and your family are right up there in my prayers with Dave and the kids. As I said to someone yesterday: Amy's battle is done. Now ours begins.
Love you.
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