A friend noticed Cowboy Church off of Dry Creek Road in West Sedona yesterday morning as he drove past and told me the parking lot was bulging with cars from everywhere. "Something big was going on! He said."
"Yes I replied; I was there and I want to tell you all about what happened."
I glanced over the highly attended sanctuary as the first speaker approached to speak. He introduced himself as a pastor from the state of Washington but he was also my bestie's nephew. His engaging eulogy of the life of his cousin, Ashley, gripped me. He helped all of us understand and trust God when we want to scream "She was so young. What about her widower husband now who loved her with all his heart? What about their two-year old boy who misses his mommy?"
There are days we just don't understand God's ways. But I am at peace to know Ashley is finally pain free and lives in Paradise.
I glanced at her mom, Maureen, my best friend now for over 20 years. She looked stoic while I was on my third tissue especially when Ashley's BBF spoke of their friendship and wondered how she will live without her.
Maureen looks thin. When I hugged her, I could feel her tiny bones within her small frame. She battles cancer also and the side effects are horrific. How does she face each day especially now that her 37 year-old firstborn passed to heaven? I can't imagine the pain and I feel helpless.
The last speaker, Ashley's sister, told funny stories from their youth. She left us on a sobering note.
"Don't wait until a lethal diagnosis hits your family member to patch things up with them. Make that phone call. Send that text. Repair relationships at all costs. We are given this day and it is a present."
The thing about these Celebrations of Life is they point us to the truth that we are mere mortals. We're born here to develop our body, our soul and our spirit. The blessing is to know God, to know our purpose and to know where we go when we leave this galaxy.
I leave you with this Scripture featured on Ashley's memorial handout:
Oh my goodness! Its so good to hear from you friend ! How are you? I agree with you about not understanding God's ways. I saw an absolutely heartbreaking news story last week about a young father who lost his wife and two year old daughter to lightning as they were rushing to get in their house. What's even sadder is the two-year old was an identical twin. I'm sure her sister has been asking about her mama and her sister. I will be praying for Maureen and her family. We don't get over to Sedona very often. Only if I have a doctor appointment or my daughter wants to go to Karen's gluten- free bakery so I can't place that church. I hope you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteHi, Regina! What a sad story about the lightening. So many people have heartaches. We never know what they are going through. I love Karen's Gluten Free Bakeshop. Would your daughter mind if I joined you sometime? I hope we can make this happen someday so I can meet you in person and give you a big hug. Thank you for prayers for Maureen! By the way, do you guys have a favorite recipe for a gluten free cookie?
DeleteOh wow, Mary. I've no doubt Ashley's "Celebration of Life" left fingerprints on each of your hearts. Such wise words from her sister. Thank you for sharing this day with us.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to "see" you here again!
I need more "Mary" days, Myra! I feel so responsible for all that happens here at the homestead. So much to do. I love hanging out with you guys and writing.
DeleteI haven't blogged nor have gone to Blogger for so long. I decided to check and I'm so glad to see that you have posted. Praying all is well with you as I continue to lift you up when I remember and when the Lord brings to mind. I have been meditating on that verse Psalm 46:10 and in so many chaos nowadays around us and now that I have gotten older too and facing some health issues, I remind myself to always be still (Though hard most of the time) and just focus on Him. Life is indeed short. Just praying may the Lord continue to strengthen your friend and her family as well and be comforted by His love. I think it's always hard for us left behind but despite all the pain, the Lord is faithful and true that He never forsakes those who love Him. Stay strong in the Lord's mighty power. The Lord is good all the time. That I can honestly say and always experience His love and mercy and grace. Take care and love to you sister!!! God bless and protect you and your family always.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the odds you would check out blogs? I'm so happy you landed here. I always love hearing from you and now to know you face some health issues...well, you are on my prayer list! I so love you, my friend, and I just know the Lord has you in the palm of His hand. I miss our virtual coffee visits.
DeleteI had tried many times yesterday leaving a comment as it never went through. Just want to thank you for all the love & prayers. I always feel our prayers together. Grateful. I’m fl doing well sister. What the doctors anticipated as worst results of my tests the Lord turned into a good outcome with all tests being negative. I miss the virtual coffee too but not forgetting to bring you a cup now ☕️ love and prayers always 🙏❤️
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