A Friend Loves at all Times

Yesterday, a dear friend of mine lost her 8 year battle to breast cancer. She was young - she had not yet turned 50. Today I want to pay tribute to my friend, whom I dearly loved.

I knew my buddy for over 25 years. We met through our church experience during our mid twenties when a foundation of faith was laid. Diana and I raised our children together throughout those years and our faith matured. We served diligently our families and our congregation. We went on retreats and we laughed a lot. She had a great sense of humor, making for a chemistry that drew us together as close friends.

And there were many of life's challenges that perfected our friendship, confirming what King Solomon would say, "A Friend loves at all times, ..." Proverbs 17:17. I call them the battle scars that bond soldiers during war. We battled for our children when darkness crept into their lives; we battled for our marriages and we battled for those righteous causes that deemed a committed vigilance. We didn't always do it right; the wounds that a battle brings oftentimes causes one to stagger and wane. But three things always remained - faith, hope and love.

Admittedly our hope was dashed when our dogmatic ideals fell prey to reality. But that only served to perfect our faith - lacking in nothing. As Diana approached the finish of her race; she had hope. Hope for life - whether among the living or eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ, the faithful one (as we oftentimes reminded each other).

In recent years, her favored milieu for church was running along the seashore, waves lapping at her feet and the presence of her Lord would meet her there. That was important and it was on that, her hope rested. I know He collected her and delivered her from death. I know that she entered into His marvelous light and presence, imbued with His great love. A great love that she always expected and for which she waited - sometimes not so patiently. I take comfort in that truth - her suffering is done.

Every time I think of her, I will remember her courage. As it was, I remember the call when she found the lump. On top of other battles waged; she was wearied and simply wanted to give up. I pressed her with reminders of that for which to live and she was inspired, taking courage to overcome this awful disease. And she did - for 8 years. Though it finally was her demise as it ravaged her body; it did not kill her spirit and she was victorious! Many things were accomplished within her soul as God's timing for the length of days is perfect. Conflicts were resolved and there was great peace before the end.

I will remember her laughter most because we did that a lot. Even when the hard truth was couched in her jest; she manage to smile without condemnation. Her head tipped and asserted, with an address that you knew what truth was coming, "Hey buddy, what were you thinking?" she would say. After which she'd proceed to discuss that pink elephant in the middle of the room that cramped everyone's style but no one wanted to talk about. She was stubborn like that. And she was a wiz at keeping a beautiful house with a gift for decorating that included a touch of generous hospitality toward all. I think perhaps, she had a hidden quest for that which should be in order, full of beauty, undefiled and esthetically pleasing. A very good thing in these chaotic times.

I will miss her - her energy, her laughter and her warm welcome - until we meet again.