Ode to an Angel
“He who learns must suffer and even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart. In our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God” – Aeschylus, The father of Greek tragedy
I’m having a conversation with my friend. I tell her how happy I am for her in her recent move. That I know she behind all the troubles she has had. Her new place will give her the freedom from the physical, familial, and emotional pain she has withstood for so long.
I remind her how much she has given. She was active in the youth group encouraging young souls to trust in the Lord. She stepped in at the last minute on several occasions to serve on an Emmaus Weekend despite struggling with her own physical limitations. Her presence changed lives that weekend. While my friend did not have a great deal of money nor the trappings that society encourages us to procure; she gave more to her church, her neighbors and the waitress struggling to make ends meet than those with millions of dollars and time to spend.
I share with her how I much I learned from her while she was here. Throughout each adversity, she firmly placed her trust in the Lord. She persevered without complaint, filled with grace, humility, and faith in times when I know I would have turned angry, bitter, and given up. She has been an example of servanthood when despite her pain she continued to be the hands and feet of Christ. She leaves behind many whose lives were changed because she willingly chose to help, love, share and care for those in need.
Lynette passed away Monday, April 3, 2017 but her legacy is in the people she touched with her strength, patience, bravery and love. She left a little bit of herself in each of us. We have big shoes to fill but she has shown us the way. Her strength of faith resonates amongst us and because of her; we will continue to exemplify love, faith, grace and trust in the Lord.
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel who is smiling down on those she loved. While we mourned the inability to be with her, we relish the memories, and rejoice in her new life and home.
Lynette, I am so happy you are free from the confines of a crippling and diseased body and from the chains of this earthly life. Your spirit can truly fly and I know you are dancing in the arms of Jesus.
You are missed, but not forgotten, Lynette. Rest easy my friend.
Beautifully and heartfelt written. Had I not known Lynette, based on this blog, I would have wanted to. We are all blessed to have been touched by Lynette. Thank you for sharing.
April 10, 2017 at 5:49 amI am sorry for your loss but happy for her gain.
April 12, 2017 at 8:22 am