Friends who accompany us along this journey call life are priceless! Each one has a unique quality and personality. They make up a "tribe" to surround us and make each day filled with joy, laughter and fun, and make our life more vibrant and worth living. They are an anchor for our soul at times as well. They lift us up when life gets us down and stand by our side when the going gets rough. We share our joys and sorrows openly and freely.
When those priceless friends are also, sisters-in-Christ, it is even more of a gift! For we know our Anchor is in Christ alone. He shines a light on the darkness and gives us hope. These "sisters" help us to see that light.
Five years ago, we started on a journey with my friend Loraine as she faced liver and colon cancer. She faced it head on and fought hard! She faced each treatment with courage and dignity. Many ladies from our church took her to chemo treatments, doctor appointments, and her best friend Debbie from New York was on every phone call with the doctor and surgeon. Her cousin, Mary Ann stepped in and took care of the finances and provided incredible moral support with Mary Ann's hubby and daughters. Then, an angel named Pam McCracken, sent from God above, offered her home to Loraine and took care of Loraine for the past 15 months. It was beautiful to watch Pam take care of Loraine, especially in these past few weeks and days of her life. The tenderness and love poured through to Loraine in every way imaginable. Just think of what an incredible gift that was to Loraine!
Loraine has and had a mighty tribe!
After multiple surgeries, chemo and grueling treatments, her battle is over. Today around 8 am, the Lord gathered His precious lamb, Loraine Hardy in His arms and took her home to be with Him forever! No more pain, no more cancer, no more suffering. Loraine is whole and free and Rejoicing! And, for those of us who are believers, we will see her again in Heaven!!! Hallelujah!!!
Isaiah 40: 11 says: "He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart." The Shepherd, Jesus, gathered her in His arms as she took her last breath this morning.
And, He did carry her close to His heart! Every day......what a privilege it was and is to have been by her side these past 5 years. She is the epitome of "Loveliness." Everything about her was lovely....pure....sweet. I wrote a blog in March 2020 about her being "Lovely." (I will be reading it at her Celebration of Life in a couple of months!) She truly was....
I pray that each of you reading this has a "tribe" around you -- to carry you through, to be by your side, to help lift the burden on the days you want to give up, and to help you see how loved you are!!!
These sisters who are "closer than a brother" are precious. Priceless. The love they share with us will stay in our hearts long after our earthly life is over. That is why we look forward to Eternity in Heaven.
We will see you again, Loraine!!! We love you and will miss you dearly..........thank you for blessing our lives!!!
