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.
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