NOT JUST A FRIEND

Her email came this morning. I didn't like what I read. Her positive attitude, and nonchalant approach to a situation that could very well threaten her life caused me to slam the lid of my computer down and walk away, frustrated with the unfairness of it all. Cancer...I hate that word..it even sounds ugly...cancer. The surgery she just went through gave me hope that all was taken care of, that she was free and clear and returning to her life that not only was a blessing to her but to me, in fact I'm sure to all whose lives she touches. She's that kind of person you know, one who makes me happy just to be counted as her friend. "Don't feel bad for me, don't be sad" she says. Her faith and trust in the Lord's provision brings a flush of anguish to my face as I struggle with this feeling of disproportionate news.
I do have to smile a bit though, as she makes light of hair loss, wigs, loosing weight, foam molds, tatoo's...leave it to her to find the laughter in a very sober situation! Ok then, if she can do it, I can do it gosh darn it!

I first met Linda at church. Actually I noticed her before we even met. She was the kind of woman I admired from a distance, beings I was fairly new at being a born-again Christian. Her involvement in church activities, the way others gravitated to her warmth, her evident love of her husband and children, her love of the Lord. Yes, Linda was who I wanted to be like. One Sunday I was told that Linda's mom had passed away and I felt the strongest urge to go to her, to hug her, to give her some form of encouragement even though I myself had never lost someone and didn't have a clue what to say so I only said, "I'm so sorry for you loss." And now I know that is one of the most important things anyone can say to a grieving person, since I have experienced that deep heaviness in the loss of my husband. Thus began a forever friendship.

God is so loving, so merciful, so all knowing. At exactly the right time in this progression of life, He gave me Linda as a precious friend. Along with our beloved husbands, we shared countless valuable moments that still bring a feeling of abundant pleasure when remembered. To others the list of things we did may seem mundane and silly, but to me they represent love. They shared our life...the fun times, the marital problems, anxious moments at the hospital, children's issues, co-ed baseball, tennis, cards, vacations, but more than that we shared our hearts.

Having said all that I shall say this.."You my friend are an inspiration. I cherish our memories, our friendship and yes our future!" You WILL beat this my determined little soulmate! We will lift our eyes to our Lord, with joined hands and hearts and trust in His unfailing goodness. His love never fails...after all, He gave me you.