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.
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.