Our Loss...Heaven's Gain

I received the dreaded news today that a long-time friend lost her battle with ovarian cancer.  Although I knew her time was short, it doesn't lessen the sadness I feel. 

Friendship can transcend age differences. My friend was quite a few years older than me.  She was a wife and mother long before my husband and I married.  I met her one day on the church ball field where her husband and my boyfriend (now my husband of almost 38 years) were playing softball.  She was curious about the "new girl" that was dating the Hill's youngest son.  We sat on the hillside and did more talking than watching.  I remember her pretty red hair was cut short in a Dorothy Hammill wedge, popular in the 1970's.

Our friendship grew during summers where I was bookkeeper and she was the receptionist at our church's child care and summer camp.  Through the years, she taught hundreds, maybe thousands, of students how to read, and how to live for Christ, in four and five year-old-kindergarten. She mentored me in the art of being a godly wife and mother.  She had two sons, and I had two sons.  I don't know of a woman who loved her husband or family more.  Even in her latter years, she still thought her husband was the most handsome man she'd ever met!  She had plenty of advice for younger women on how to keep love alive through the years. 

My friend never pulled punches.  If she had an opinion, she was never afraid to express it.  You knew where you stood with her.  We may not have always agreed on every subject, but when you love someone...those are trivialities.  We just keep on loving through it all. 

Cancer is not "who you are"; it is a disease "you have".  Cancer did not define my friend.  She handled her diagnosis with grace.  Her continued faith and trust in God was an inspiration to many.  I'm sure her deepest regret was leaving her family behind...especially her dear husband. For the Christian, we know that death separates us only for a little while.  We will see each other again one day.

My dear friend, Sammie, you will be deeply missed by all the lives (little and big) you have influenced throughout the years.  Enjoy sitting at the feet of Jesus, hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant", and singing your heart out in that heavenly choir! 

Copyright 2012 Charlotte Laney