A while back I wrote a tribute about my dear friend Cathy. On Tuesday, April 24th, Cathy left the confines and pain of cancer and entered into her eternal home into the arms of her Heavenly Father. I can just imagine the smile on her face in that moment. Earlier I explained how her faith has never wavered. I truly have never met anyone else like her. From my understanding, she left this world and entered into His presence with her hands raised in praise. Yes her "Lifesong" (one of her favorite songs) was very well played until the very last breath.
I met the news of her passing with mixed emotion. On one hand I was thrilled for her - she is no longer suffering and she is where she longed to be - HOME. But honestly, I was overcome with sadness. Of course its all selfishness on my part, but I knew I would miss her. And I do. Silly, I suppose, but I miss her comments on my FB posts, and I will definitely miss her comments on my blog. Always encouraging.
I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I had not seen her since she left work. I didn't go visit with her at home at all. I used the excuse that I knew she didn't feel good and probably wouldn't be up to a visit, but mostly, I just didn't want to deal with it I suppose. However, we were in contact during those months, thanks to the blog and facebook. I knew her time was limited and I wanted to make sure that I told her how much she meant to me. Something I would never have gotten out if I tried to verbalize it, so I sent her a note. Through FB nonetheless. I know - tacky, huh? Well, I am horrible at actually getting things in the mail, so I finally decided I would rather do that than regret never having told her what an impact she had on my life. Within that note I also asked her permission to share her story. And here was her answer :
Yes, I would be honored if you want to do a post about me. I say 'me' but it's really all about God. That's what I want people to see, His faithfulness. If any thing I say encourages just one person, that's okay with me.
Unfortunately, I had to miss her memorial service due to some dental work that could not be postponed. I knew exactly what she would tell me to do - GO, but I was completely broken-hearted. Thankfully, I had time to slip by during the visitation and extend my condolences to the family. I'm not really sure who consoled who, as I was offered a tissue by a family member! I felt like a blubbering fool, but I cry so easy ( and ugly at that!) I left the worship center and headed to the church office to see the secretaries. I knew that it was a hard day for them as well. Of course we had a little crying session as well. A piece of our lives was gone. I would dare say we had an unusual bond as church secretaries. We spent everyday together and loved it. We walked with each other through ups and downs. These ladies were right by my side when my dad got sick. The day we found out he was terminally ill, they invaded my house. When I got home the house was clean and they had taken all my laundry home with them and brought it all back the next day. They wept with me through our miscarriage. We laughed a lot as well. Some of my fondest memories are sitting around one of our computers laughing at Hoops and Yo Yo e-cards! We were more than co-workers - we were family, and still are as far as I am concerned. I've been home now for almost 5 years and I still feel like part of them. They probably get tired of seeing me, but I am by the church office several times a week. Of course, they can't complain because I sign their paychecks now! BAHAHA! But seriously, we had something unique. We quickly learned that not all church secretaries got along with each other. It was apparent when we would go to secretarial events - we were always the happiest group, causing the most noise! I can honestly say I loved my job. Leaving was a hard decision, but we knew that I needed to be at home - which I love as well. I am so glad that God saw fit to put me with these ladies.
Celebrating Christmas at a Tea Room - 2006
The reports I got from the memorial service were just what I anticipated - it was an awesome praise and worship service filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. People were on their feet with hands raised, truly worshiping. And that is exactly what she would have wanted. "God's presence in the service today is evidence of God's abiding presence in the life she lived here and the life she continues to live in heaven." - a quote from our pastor. What a life and what a legacy she leaves with us. Oh to have a fraction of the impact on others that she did - and still does. I miss you Cathy, but rejoice in knowing I will see you again.
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