Just a warning that this message may be all over the place, as that is where my emotions lie. In addition to speaking with Liz's Mom last night about Liz and the details of her final hours and days, she told me of the family learning of Liz's father's official diagnosis of cancer yesterday. Talk about heart ache. I have cried buckets for me, us, them today.
Today is also what would be my sister, Trudy's, 44th birthday. She went to heaven 3 1/2 months ago and we are still realing from that big surprise. She was only sick for 12 weeks. After I met Liz, she sent Trudy to all of you where she found 6 weeks of comfort. As I have said before, I am forever grateful to Liz and all of you. It does not seem right to have to bury your precious little sister. In fact, it's an outrage. It was all so shocking. We thought she was doing well - at least that is what we were told. Then she got up one evening and suddenly bled to death. She obviously knew somethng terrible was happening because she dialed 911, unlocked her door, and collapsed into the loving arms of God right there. Oh, my sweet baby girl. My only consolation for Trudy and Liz is that cancer did not have the last word - Love did. For although I weep and my heart aches, their deaths were ultimately merciful for them. Very little pain and the ending was fast for them.
When I last visited Liz, I asked her if she knew what her name, Elizabeth, means. She didn't. I told her that it means, 'God's promise.' I explained to Liz that she showed all of us God's promise of love. Now it was her turn to receive that promise of love for herself. I told her that I prayed God would send the most gentle and loving angels to escort such a gentle and loving woman to Him. She told me that she was afraid of the pain and afraid she would linger. I told her that it would be my most fervent prayer that neither of those things happen to such a loving person. She said that it is also her most fervent prayer. I also reminded her that cancer does not have the last word. Once again, love does.
Now, in the midst of all of this sadness - as I/ we work to recover and rebuild, I pray that our actions in this endeavor reflect the very best of what Liz, Trudy, and all of our loved ones who have gone before us have given us. What a way to honor them - even though we stumble right now. Love and prayers for all of us....
"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand." ~Emily Kimbrough