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
Elena says
I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. I am so glad you have the blessed hope of seeing her again. God bless you and I will be praying for your mom and all of you. Hugs, Elena
Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ says
So sorry for your loss, Lois! It makes the loss more bearable when you know you will see each other again one day and this you are assured of because of her relationship with the Lord!
This past week and a half has been surreal to us as we have lost 6 friends.
Praying for comfort for all involved!
Blessings,
Tammy
Sue says
Dear Lois, I am so sorry for this loss, I will be praying for all. Your tribute to her and her work for the Lord is so inspiring. I am so thankful for this blessed hope we have in Christ our Savior. Thank you for sharing the message of how this hope can be received.
Love,
Sue
Christine says
It is so wonderful that we can find comfort in knowing she is in a better place. God bless your family in the days ahead.
Sharon says
So very sorry to hear about your loss.
Prayers for all and just knowing that she is now with the Lord,
What a great tribute you wrote for her.
Hugs
Happy birthday to your mom.'
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
I am so sorry for your loss. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Happy 80th birthday to your mom!
Chatty Crone says
That was me hitting the wrong button.
Well, we know she is in Heaven - but I know how much your mother, her family, and you will miss her. I am so sorry. No, life can change in a second. Sandie
Happy 80th to your mother.
Anonymous says
Well, we know she is in Heaven - but I know how much your mother, her family, and you will miss her. I am so sorry. No, life can change in a second. Sandie
Happy 80th to your mother.
My Journey With Candida says
Lois,
Sorry about your friend. It is so sad for your Mom too.
Can't wait to see pictures of your Moms birthday. We are having a 91st birthday party for my Hubs mother. I am in charge of the decorations so I am looking all over to see what others are doing.
Debbie says
Oh Lois I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend....but again, I rejoice in her homecoming. Our lives here truly are just a vapor, we are only passing through. How comforting to KNOW you will see her again. Praying all goes well as you celebrate your mom's 80 years here on this earth. (my mom will be 80 in August) Looking forward to seeing pics from the party. Hugs to you today friend, Debbie
Jill says
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. She sounds like she was an amazing woman...one you will always hold in your heart. I got chills at "love!"
I wish your beautiful Mom a very Happy Birthday!
Christine says
So sorry to hear of your dear friend's passing but now 'forever with the Lord' a blessed consolation!
Maple Lane says
My deepest sympathy in the loss of such a dear friend.
Nellie's Cozy place says
Morning Lois,
So very sorry for you and your Mom,
in the loss of your dear friend,
but happy for Arlene that she is home with her Lord. Isn't it wonderful that it is not goodbye, but just so long for now. You are so right, one day we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and what a great day that will be............
and from the looks of things I don't think it may be too far off.
Happy Birthday to your Mom, am sure your party will be lovely hon.
Love and Blessings, Nellie
Praying for yall............
Debbie says
Sending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear friend. What a lovely post in Arlene's memory. God bless you and comfort you. God bless your mom on her birthday.
Teresa@oursoutherncountryhomeandfarm says
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Miss Debbie says
So sorry for your loss. This was a sweet post.
Julie Harward says
I must have missed this news..so sad. I am sorry for you and for your mom. I am glad you are going to have the party though. God bless and be with you both. (I am going private with my blog, if you want to follow, leave me your email...if you have already, thanks) 😀
Modern Day Disciple says
Lois, I am sorry for the temporary loss of this precious woman. I am so glad that you have the assurance of knowing you will see her again. Praying for your mom and church family as well as you all in this loss. Praising God for His goodness- so perfect that her last word sent to you was love. You are a blessing and this post was beautiful as Anita already has stated!
Anita Stafford says
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, but this was a beautiful post in her honor Lois.