Wednesday, December 30, 2015
I have known Barbara since Matthew and Michelle were 6 years old. She and Mickey covered services for us at a Spanish mission in Port Houston while we went on trips to Mexico. Then, we transferred to the church they attended in Denver Harbor and worked in the Christian school together. She was such a dedicated worker in the church, and it was always so pleasant to work with her.
I guess our children really cemented the relationship, since when Matt and Michelle first met (age 6) and were playing hide-and-seek, Matt opened a closet door to look for Michelle, and she jumped out and kissed him! Barbara always smiled when Michelle announced that some day she was going to marry Matthew, but it aggravated Matthew back then.
Through the years, Barbara has been so generous and caring to me and our family. She has bought me several new outfits, and how could we count all the times they took us out to eat or had us over to eat?
Over the past several weeks, Barbara and I have been chatting on Facebook. I knew she was going through a hard time , missing Mickey being at home, and that change was not easy. So I chatted with her frequently, and kept looking at her posts on Facebook.
In a private message, she said, "Yes I miss him dearly. Cried like a baby first few days. We go see him every evening. Bring news of our day."
Still, every day, on Facebook she had such positive posts, so full of faith, full of Scripture. I wondered at how she could do this, so I spoke to her about it. She messaged me back:
"I have to stay positive Sis. My Jesus loves me and has brought me through so much. I just thank Jesus and love Him and need Him in my life no matter what else is going on."
None of us thought she would go so soon! I was so much looking forward to seeing her this January later on. We will all miss her dearly, but mostly-- these sweet grandchildren. I will probably see her sooner than any of you, as I am close to 73 years old, but who knows? Jesus could come at any time, and those who are alive and remain can be caught up together with those who have gone before!
