I am thankful for so many things. If I was to list those blessings, it would be as long as my arm. This time of year when I think of those blessings, I think of a special friendship I once had and I thank God that He allowed me to have this friendship for a little while.
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melanie Beattie
I had heard my father speaking of this young lady for a few years before I actually met her. Daddy used to bowl with a league in the city and Carol and her husband were both members of it.
We finally met through some mutual friends when two of our children were small and we learned that we had many things in common. We had both moved around a lot when we were growing up, so we never really had a best friend but always dreamed of having one. We adored our husbands, and we each had three little boys that we were crazy about.
Carol was one of the gentlest souls I have ever known. She was beautiful inside and out.
We were much more like sisters than friends and we thrived on being home makers. We loved to bake and make our homes a haven for our loved ones to come home to.
We loved so many of the same things; pretty clothes and dishes, decorating our homes, nature, music, and Christmas. Most importantly, we both loved the Lord and we were passionate about living for Him.
When she was in her thirties Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have a mastectomy. That was a hard time! We had hoped that they had gotten it all but she had only three years after that....
The photo below is of Carol and her youngest son who is also my son's best friend. The two boys grew up together and were each other's Best Man at their weddings. I know Carol would have been pleased about that!
It was in September on one of our last outings together when we were taking a walk through the park and we found ourselves in a little clearing. There, about six little red squirrels put on a show for us. We were like two little girls watching them and it was a day I will always remember! And today whenever I see a little red squirrel scurrying about, I think of her and that special day we shared.
It was on Thanksgiving Day a couple of weeks later, {October is when we Canadians celebrate the holiday}, when her family doctor made a house call and gave her the bad news; she had only two months to live!
She took to her bed after that and slowly went downhill. The first week in November, I knew her time here was short but the Lord gave me a peace which even to this day, I shall never understand. Many tears were shed and my heart hurt so badly yet somehow I was able to trust God that He knew what He was doing.
On November 25, exactly one month away from our favourite holiday, the Lord took Carol home to be with Him.
I will always be thankful for the time we had together and I know someday I will see her again. In the meantime, I have my memories of our precious friendship.
We used to talk about being grandmothers and looked forward to shopping for our little ones. But she never got to do that.
Today she has three beautiful daughters-in-law, and two grandchildren and I'm certain she is smiling down upon them even as I write this.
Life is so short. One never knows what a day or a month will bring. I have always said that we ought to live as though it is our last day on earth. Bring as much sweetness, kindness, and gentleness to those around you as you can. I hope, like my friend Carol, I will leave the world a better place. I hope you will too.
In memory of Carol Ann~
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all." ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi