from pinterest
My friend is dying. She has chosen to forego treatments that might extend her life.
Her life in recent years has been quite a battle – many things that could go wrong, headed that way, unexpectedly and rapidly.
We weren’t best friends. In fact, we had many differences; the kinds of differences that are separating too many Americans today. But we loved laughing, good food, and we both married wonderful men who enjoyed each other’s company. They were a rich Texas connection!
However, in recent times we’ve stayed in touch more by phone and text than face-to-face. Life separated us and we moved closer to our kids. But we remained simpatico, sharing our troubles, and laughing at our foibles,
My friend enjoyed many good times, though; made sweet through a loving husband, children, and grandchildren. But, even the sweetest relationship can become complicated. And some of hers did. Her husband died last year of complications from cancer and a stroke.
So, she is alone now, in ways we don’t like to think about – in a hospital without any family, for now. But when I called, someone from her church was there, holding the phone, so we could talk – so I could say how much she meant to me, and to God.
God bless that soul who went on a mercy mission to my friend from her church to a hospital!
Who knows . . . maybe God will intervene, as He has before in this troubled season through which my friend has been growing. That’s what I pray right now – for selfish reasons.
Friendship is Love with jewels on, but without either flowers or veil. ~Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers, 1827
I ask Him for time to repair the damage that family conflicts create and restore the estranged relationships. I also ask that He completely heal my friend from all her afflictions, knowing that this might end our earthly relationship, as she is resting in the Lord for now.
Restoring what we can, while we is a good use of time
Don’t nurse a grudge . . . Life is too short to hold a grudge, also too long. ~Robert Brault
A grudge is a dangerous emotion to hold tight at Christmas when we celebrate God’s gift to us through His Son. (John 14:-27-31, THE MESSAGE)
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.” (Matthew 5:9,THE MESSAGE)
Yellow Roses: Remembering a sweet friend
Friendship Shouldn’t Be A Project
UPDATE: 12/19/19 My friend died early this AM. Thank you for all the kind words and prayers you offered for her, and her family.