Thursday, September 23, 2010

Not Goodbye, but see you later, dear friend

Yesterday one of mama's dear friends died.  They weren't friends as young women, probably never knew each other at all until they both moved in a retirement center near the same time.  

They became fast friends in the last part of their lives, the winter as it's sometimes called.  

Louise was a character.....earlier in her life she was a clown....literally.  She dressed as a clown for parties and such.  She and mama and another lady became close during the last few years.  When mama got to the point that she couldn't hold a book to read, Louise came down every night and read to her.  She did that until she became too short of breath to read aloud, then the other friend took over.

Louise never liked you to tell her how nice she was....she would give you her frown and say Now I am not nice!  But she was.  

It is an odd friendship that begins at the end of life.  In the young years, women talk about their children (now maybe they still did that!), about recipes and cooking, about their husbands, about their dreams and desires and goals.  I wasn't privy to their private conversations, but I would imagine they turned more around what was going on in their little community, their past, their grandchildren.

Louise and Margaret (the other Margaret as we call her) and Mama are pictured above along with my SIL at one of mama's birthday lunches.  Louise is in the melon jacket.

Louise was always dressed up and had her makeup just right.

Today she is clothed in the righteousness of Christ....in a more beautiful gown than any bride has ever worn.  Today she is drinking from the fountain that never shall run dry.
Yesterday Louise entered into the presence of Christ!

So, although it is sad for her family and friends because we will all miss her here on earth, it is a joyous day for Louise, one she had anticipated all of her Christian life.

At the bottom of her obituary, her children used this scripture....

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.  Psalm 116:15


Her funeral tomorrow will be held on her 90th birthday!



12 comments:

Loui♥ said...

Nancy..
What a beautiful and moving tribute to a wonderful lady!
warmest hugs..
Loui♥

Jessica-Lauren said...

This was a very touching story, she is blessed to have lived a moving life and now she is with God. The most happiest of times.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

She will be missed for sure. It brought tears to my eyes when you said that her funeral will be on her birthday.

Tonja said...

Nancy, you really touched me with this post, and of course, I do not even know the lady. But, how wonderful that the words you speak about her are those of a Christian. And, it looks as though she served Him as long as she could.
And, oh, how happy she must be today!
God bless your Mom as she will be missing her friend.

Justabeachkat said...

What a sweet post! Sad for those who loved her, but she is with the Lord.

Hugs,
Kat

Needled Mom said...

What a lovely 90th birthday she will have!!!! My thoughts will be with her family during these difficult days.

Mimi said...

HI<
I am so sorry for your MOM"S friend as she was a friend to you too. It is so true as Christians we are all ready to meet our Heavenly father it is the sadness of the ones left behind who mourn. God Bless all the friends at the retirement home as they are missing a dear soul tonight.
Thanks for posting this.
great reminder to us all
hugs,
jamie

Midlife Mom said...

What a lovely, beautiful tribute to your Mom's friend Louise! How true your words are that she is in a much better place in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. As much as they all will miss her I'm sure they wouldn't ask her to leave the place of no tears and sorrows, only joy and happiness. Beautiful post!! PS My name is Louise too! :o)

Cathy said...

We will all miss Louise!! She became like family to us. I know she is well today and I pray for her children as they adjust to a new life without their Mother!

Sandra said...

Such sweet irony that her funeral is being held on her 90th...I do love that picture you posted of her. Really captures her spirit!
What a terrific tribute to her.

Stella said...

How wonderful that Lord sends us friends for every segment of our lives. I know your mother will miss her.

Gigi said...

What a blessing that your Mom had such a dear friend to walk with her these past few years...I'm so sorry for her loss now, but rejoicing for Louise as she now rests in the arms of Jesus - and just in time for her birthday!