Threes

They say that things happen in threes.  Since spring, I have had 4 very significant things happen.

First my dear, sweet Maggie darlin' (what I called her) went to be with the Lord.  She had asked that I speak at her funeral, so I did.  I have never done that before, but I decided that if Maggie wanted it, then I could and would do it.  

Maggie was one of those friends whom you know beyond the shadow of a doubt will "never leave you or forsake you".  In all the years of her friendship, I never one time doubted her love for me.  I miss her.  I got a rose from her casket and it sits in a vase on my desk.

Just a few weeks ago  my wonderful "Annea" went to be with the Lord.  Her name is Andrea, but I always called her Annea. (Another dear friend's daughter is named Andrea.  She and John thomas are the same age and when they were babies, he called her Annea...hence MY Annnea got her name!)   That friend left this earth several years ago.  We had been friends for over 50 years!

Annea and I talked via email almost every day.  I never had to wonder if I should say or not say certain things because I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that she would always have my "6".  I got a rose from her casket at well and it is in the same vase on my desk next to Maggie darlin'.  

The next to go to meet Jesus was my cousin Barb.  I never knew life without Barb in it.  Our two families were like one when I was growing up and like Maggie and Andrea, my cousin loved the Lord and served him her whole life.  Watching the lives of these 3 girls had a huge impact on me and are a huge part of the reason I follow Jesus.

Last in the list, is my dear friend, Hank.  We buried his body just this past week.  For the past 20 or so years, we have held a revival at a church in Dot, Virginia.  Hank has been to every one of those meetings.  He and his wife, Kay, have loved us and cared for us as if we were part of their (huge!) family!  (And we ARE!)

Hank was an elder in the church and his wife and I are like sisters.  Every year she cooks enough food for us to feed an army.  Both were always quiet with gentle spirits.  

When we went to Hank's funeral, Kay hugged me and sobbed that she didn't know what she would do without him.  I feel the same.  

All of the 4 people above have left a huge hole on this planet.  I expect from the air it looks like a crater!  They have also left a crater like hole in my heart.

I wonder what kind of hole I will leave.  I want to love like they did  I want to serve like they did.  I want to make a difference like they did.  I want to see them again.

---