....................

[C.Ann]

I just returned from my dear friend's wake.. After 3 hours, I had to ask my son-in-law to bring me home.. I just couldn't stay there any longer.. He's gone back now - my DD and DGD are still there - and will likely be there for the family for another few hours - although the viewing was supposed to end at 8 p.m.

I have never, ever seen so many people at a wake in my entire life - and the lines out in the parking lot - and cars coming in - were still unbelievable when we left.. People standing outside - in the cold and rain..

This has been a tribute to what a wonderful, amazing, loving person "D" was.. She fought her cancer with dignity and grace for years and years and never complained once.. It never defined her life.. The chemo treatments that made her so ill; the horrible side effects; the numerous blood transfusions; the scans that always came back with bad news - were nothing to her but a "minor" blip in her day.. While she was fighting for her own life, she was running around taking care of her grandchildren; the neighbors; members of her church; attending charity functions with her DH; always cooking for me -, trying to "fatten me up" because she was so concerned about my health.. Not a person she ever crossed paths with could resist her charm - her constant caring and kindness to others.. She was the most amazing woman I have ever known and by the time her wake is over tonight, it would not surprise me in the least if the number of people attending surpassed the one-thousand mark..

I know that we're not supposed to question God - and "D" would be the first one to say so.. Throughout her long and courageous battle - when people would ask her how she did it - her response was always the same.. "God isn't ready for me yet.. When He is, He'll come to take me home.." But tonight I am questioning God.. There are so many truly evil people in the world - why take someone who was so loved and touched the lives of so many others? They say you don't leave this Earth until your work is done.. Was her work done? Weren't there so many other lives she could have continued to touch and make better?

I guess I'm just rambling because I don't know what else to do with myself right now, but I just wanted to share how much this woman was loved, admired, and respected.. She was truly "one of a kind"..

 

[diznygirl]

She sounds like a wonderful person who made the world a better place by being in it.

 

[sunnyday123]

She sounds like a beautiful person, and I am truly sorry for your loss.

I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason, even if that reason isn't apparent at the time. Her passing may have a profound effect on someone who may take that and do wonderful things.

 

[Disney Doll]

Your friend sounds like a wonderful, dear, special lady.

 

[bellebud]

i'm so, so, so sorry!!

I have questioned the whole 'things happen for a reason' at times too... and there's never a good answer, but we go on, because we have to. I hope you find strength in knowing how many people your dear friend touched.

 

[c4a]

It is easy to remember that we belong to the Lord. It just hurts a lot more when we realize that means we are all just here "on loan". He (the Lord) must have felt she had done what He sent her here for...and it was time for her reward. I know that doesn't make the pain any less. Your reward was in getting to know her.

 

[C.Ann]

Your reward was in getting to know her.

-------------------------
Oh my gosh! What a great thing to say!! That really does make me feel better.. Thank you SO much...

 

[Serena]

C.Ann, I wish I could thinking that will help, but I really can't. I know you'll miss her greatly.

 

[Michelle67]

I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person, but glad that she touched so many in such a powerful way.

 

[minniecarousel]

What a wonderful friend she was.

Have faith, C.Ann.

 

[Keira1387]

I never understand why good people are taken so soon. I questioned God for a long time when he took my dear grandmother who always trusted god. I will keep you in my prayers. What a wonderful woman "D" must have been!

 

[Tuffcookie]

TC

 

[CookieGVB]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your friend sounds like she was a very special lady, indeed.

 

[All American]

I don't know if this will help, but I truly believe in angels. I believe that when people move beyond this life they are given opportunities to help us along our mortal journey, to offer aid and comfort when needed. Sometimes we see them, sometimes we don't. I believe that people smile on us from heaven and that, someday, the day will come when I will be reunited with those people or meet some I never knew and that they will let me know that they were by my side all along.

 

[chell]

 

[themepark]

She sounds like a wonderful, beautiful person who touched many lives. I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[MontanaZoo]

C Ann, my aunt was killed 4 years ago. She was a local teacher in the area and active in everything, her union, her church, her friends, her family. She was killed in a car accident on the interstate. She was unbelievably special and had a huge impact on so many lives. We had to have her memorial service in a high school gym because so many people wanted to come and it was packed. I think we're truly blessed to know people like this and so lucky to realize it when they are with us. Even though her life was cut short, I think she lived enough for two people in the time she had.

What I chose to do to honor her memory was to emulate her and her positive impact on her friends, family and community. I started volunteering in her memory. It actually helped the grieving process a lot to know that this is what she would want, positive ways to remember her and help the community she loved.

I'm so sorry for your loss and so happy for you that you had a wonderful friend like this and were able to share in their life with them.