If you're friends with me on Facebook, then you'll know that on
Monday our family experienced a sudden, tragic loss.
A dear friend, one of my mother's closest friends,
died suddenly in a terrible car accident.
One moment she was driving home from a visit to her sister's house
and the next minute she was gone.
Just like that.
In a twinkling of an eye she was gone.
My mom and Arlene after our church choir's Christmas production
this past December...
Arlene was part of almost everything in church.
She was kind to everyone and everyone is feeling her loss.
My mom and Arlene grew very close over the past 3 years.
Three years of phone calls.
Three years of domino games.
The list goes on.
And I'm feeling her loss as well.
Arlene didn't look at me as "Loida's daughter."
She looked at me as her friend also.
She loved my blog; often leaving encouraging comments and
she always commented on my Walking on Sunshine Facebook page.
AND she played Words With Friends with me on Facebook.
A few weeks ago, she sent me an email telling me she wanted
to start a game with me but wanted me to know she wasn't that good at the game.
I told her I wasn't either and that I really enjoyed playing for fun.
And so our games began.
Only we never finished our last game.
She's gone.
I looked up our game the other night and realized that
the last word she sent to me was "LOVE."
How amazing is that?
This Saturday is a special day.
We're celebrating my mom's 80th birthday with a party.
Oh we're still having the party,
but first we'll go to a funeral to say goodbye to Arlene.
But not goodbye for long.
For one day we'll all be changed in a "twinkling of an eye"
just as it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:17:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:
and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
And what a day that will be.
I'm looking forward to that day, how about you?
Tomorrow is NOT promised to us.
If you don't know where you'll spend eternity, send me a message.
I'd love to show you the way to heaven
where my dear friend Arlene is worshiping right now.
I'll be back on Monday.
Loria says
Accidents can steal a life in a blink of an eye. No one’s safe, nor exempted from accidents. If it’s our fate, then it’s bound to happen. After all, we will all leave this world, one way or another. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies for your loss.
-Loria Schleiff
Kim~HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs says
I'm so sorry for your loss, Lois {{{Hugs}}}
April says
So very sorry for the loss of your sweet friend. Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things to face. Praying for peace and comfort for you, your mom, and all who loved her.
Thistle Cove Farm says
"While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil"
~ John Taylor ~
You are loved and tucked into prayer.
Cinner says
Lois I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. It is hard when things happen so suddenly like that. She sounds like she was a very special lady, this is a beautiful post to honor her. Happy Birthday to your Mom, I hope the party is wonderful. I love how Spiritual you are and when I read this I just felt at peace. love the picture of the little girl. hugs to you and strength during this sad time. c
Paula says
I'm so sorry, Lois... I know Arlene is in a better land but it is still devastating to lose someone so suddenly like that.
My prayers are with you and your mom and all of her other friends and family.
By the way~ tell your mom Happy Birthday!
Blondee says
What a beautiful tribute to your lovely Arlene. I am sure she is so touched by your eloquent words and loving post for her. Death only changes our view of each other temporarily. She is not out of reach, just out of sight for a while. And while you cannot see her, she is with you always now. How incredible that her last word to you was love. Fitting.
Hugs and my heart is heavy for you. It's hard letting go of those we love, but amazing to know they are in His arms, safe for always.
Love to you.
Linda says
So sorry for the loss in your family. It is so true that we can here one day and gone the next.
Early this morning we lost a friend who was in his 30's. He had been fighting a brain cancerous brain tumor for 14 months. His suffering is over, and he is with the Lord...but his wife, mother, father, and sister are going to miss him so very much. As will all of his friends, and extended family.
Life is so hard sometimes...especially when we experience the death of someone we love!
Love, Linda