Lost and Found

Wow, today was one of those days that is really hard to put into words but at the same time I want to be able to write about it. I knew that I needed to get out of bed to prepare food for a memorial service at church, but I wanted to catch the news about that nut from town who kidnapped his wife, held her hostage and ended up burning down their house. Charlie and I had been following it on the scanner the night before. Too fresh in our minds after the murder/suicide just over a week ago of my patent's sister and Willa's friend in Ellington. So, I caught the news, got up, and start my day. The phone rings and it is a happy voice. I wasn't sure though, because lately too often that voice only acted to be happy where in reality it was hurting beyond belief. A friend was going through some very troubling times and I was the only one that she had confided in. Over the past month I felt as though I was carrying around such a heavy load by sharing the disappointments that she experienced and then holding in all of those emotions. We cried together, hashed over details and prayed openly. This morning, those prayers were answered. Her voice was genuinely happy. We both were so thrilled by this new awakening taking place in her life. Thank you Lord for looking out for her. Thank you Lord for the gift of my family.
Back on track- start a couple of loads of wash, bring Maddie to work, make a dozen sandwiches for the reception, curl my hair, get dressed. And I'm off to church by 11:00. The memorial was for Cindy- 37 years old victim to cancer. I don't believe that I ever met her, but I knew so much about her. My friend Carol was her spiritual caregiver. She walked with her through this disease for the past 6 weeks. At first Cindy did not speak about her faith or (oh dear, Beau just fell out of the window-he'll be fine)want to pray together. But little by little Carol and Cindy grew spiritually and peacefully. The depth of this gift that Carol brought to her was beyond words. They were both blessed to have experienced what they did-this awakening. However, through these weeks, Carol now needed someone to walk with her. She was becoming emotionally drained. That is my assignment. Or should I say my blessing- to walk with Carol through so many layers of her life that overlap the "now" with the "then". Events from the past seem to resurface in a way almost to be able to resolve themselves in the present.
So I sat there at her memorial service realizing how much faith and strength this one woman gave to others as she faced this disease. Funny how our lives intertwine with one another. She left behind two young boys for her mother to raise. But, she knew where she was going and by doing so, she left behind those she loved with that same strong belief that she would no longer suffer. And as Carol read in a note to her children- she would be just a whisper away. I can't imagine the emptiness that would have been felt without faith and belief in that wonderful promise given to us by God.
There it is. One life lost, one faith found. One love almost lost, but happily found.
Time for bed and thankfully a peaceful sleep. Goodnight.