"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Thursday

 

Okay, my friend Debbie is now an angel officially.  And I am not sad for her.  If I know Debbie and I do – she will be talking His head off.  I am sad for her family,  especially her 3 year old grandson, and I'm sad for me.

But I am so grateful that we were friends for 25 years – even moving away to Virginia didn’t change that fact.
I’m grateful she did not come here and have the stroke – it would have been much harder.
I’m grateful for the love she gave me and my family.  She sent the grandson a gift every birthday and Christmas since he was born.
For all the laughter we shared – and we did get in some funny/sticky situations.
I’m grateful she went home without having to suffer too much.

Okay this is a 6 minute video on being grateful and I cried all the way through it – if you have time it is good – if not no worries.

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:




I want to thank everyone that stood by my moaning and groaning this week and all the prayers. I can't thank you enough! Tomorrow is Fun Friday. Debbie liked my fun Fridays. So it will be good.

 
 Love, sandie

59 comments:

MadSnapper said...

so sorry to hear this, even knowing it was expected. this is a beautiful tribute to your friendship and her family. you have my sympathy and prayers. hugs

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

You do have much to be grateful for and your life was blessed by having such a dear friend. Much love and hugs today!

Debbie said...

you were so lucky to have had someone so special in your life!!

big hugs!!

Beth said...

There is nothing to match a dear friend. Your friend is now a guardian angel.

Hugs,
Beth

Jill said...

My sympathy to you and her family. Our loss is HIS joy in receiving this special lady.

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh Sandie, I'm so sorry. I know your friendship was a blessing, how wonderful is that? Nothing like a precious friend.

Liz Mays said...

Big hugs to you right now!

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

Debbie said...

I'm sorry, Sandie.

And actually, she's better than an angel. Think about it. She is right at this very moment standing with the saints of God at his throne and able to sing, I am REDEEMED. Even the angels can't do that. She's been given that crown of life that He fashioned just for her. I can hardly stand the thought of it.

And you, my friend, will be able to stand and sing with her some day.
May that comfort you.

Hugs and love to you today.

Cranberry Morning said...

I agree. You were blessed to have such a good and fun friend. You will see her again, for both of you had your trust in the same place - a risen Savior. Many blessings, Sandie, as you work through this grief.

Agata said...

The best present from you for Debbie was your friendship. Now Debbie takes care of you like you would do.

Many hugs
Agata

Lynn said...

Truly an angel and she will watch over you, I'm sure.

Kerrie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.
Much love and hugs.

betty said...

I'm going to come back and watch that video later when I can have a "good cry". I am sorry about your loss with Debbie; I do like your attitude about it, Sandie; I know you are sad and grieve, but you are still thankful for what you had with her friendship over the years. A very special friend indeed! It is also comforting too that you'll see her again for all of eternity one day! But now we grieve and now we are sad; but we don't lose hope and we keep praising God :)

hugs to you

betty

Susannah said...

Oh, what fun Debbie and you must have had......such wonderful memories to keep with you forever. I am sorry for her family and I am sorry for you.

BelovedBomber said...

A good day is always around the corner...so true...I am sorry for the loss of your friend as I know you will miss her. What a blessing to have been given the gift of such a great friend! A true friend is of great value...many blessings to you

Debbie Jones said...

So good that you have your faith and a good perspective on death, which is really just the birth into a new eternal life that we will all go through. Thanks for this post.

TexWisGirl said...

she's now in a great seat to watch over you. :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Debbie once and I enjoyed her happy spirit. Sending you big hugs, Linda

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss my friend,what a nice tribute ((HUGS))
Eva

Donna B. said...

Oh Sandie....I have been away for so long and to come back and discover you are mourning the loss of your dear friend Debbie makes me feel so bad. I know you have a huge bond of friends who gathered around you and for that I am so grateful. I am sending you hugs and Blessings. I am so sorry for your loss. I could not view the video...it was not available on my visit.

Paula said...

So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a very dear friend. I'm going through the same with my best friend from high school. She has been in and out of the hospital and longterm care for weeks now. Its taking a toll on her body and mind.

Raindrops and Daisies said...

So sad for you Sandie
and am sending you big hugs across the water.

I think though that you were incredibly lucky to have such a good friend, one who remembered special dates and special times.

Some people never get that special friend so you were both lucky to have met one another.

Take care of yourself.



Fiona x

tammy said...

Love & sympathy all around!! {{{hugs}}}

TARYTERRE said...

Having a lifelong friend is a blessing. I am sorry to hear yours passed away. GOD BLESS HER. She is in a better place now. And one day you'll get to MEET again and have that visit you were so looking forward to. To her family and you, I extend my deepest sympathy. Take care.

Wanda's Wings said...

Hugs to you my friend.

Sally Wessely said...

I truly am sorry for all those your dear friend left behind. Friends are hard to replace, but you have many in blogland who love you and are praying for you no matter what you go through. God Bless.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I think I will pass on the video, I don't feel like crying today, got really dehydrated yesterday and am still having bad effects. Gosh, seems us seniors can't do anything anymore without repercussions! You are right, Debbie is the happiest and most peaceful and joyful that she has ever been. But it is so hard for those who miss her so much. And isn't that the sign of a life so well lived? We all want to live so that people will really miss us when we go.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I'm glad she was such a supportive and fun part of your life. I know you'll miss her very much, and I'm thinking of you.

Jim said...

((((HUGS)))) for you Sandie. :)
A good friend cannot be replaced when you loose one. But having known you for the short time I have there is no doubt in my mind but what you soon will have another buddy. You are soooo gracious it is bound to happen.
..

barbara l. hale said...

I'm so sorry about your friend Debbie. It sounds like she was a delightful person.

Karen Lange said...

So sorry to hear about your friend. What a treasure, and what a blessing, and what fond memories you have to cherish now.

Love and hugs to you, Sandie!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

(((((Hugs))))) to you, Sandie. I'm sorry you are hurting right now, but I know you know that your friend is the happiest now she's ever been and that you will take comfort from that. Praying for you and her family.
Love, Cheryl

blushing rose said...

Sandie, Debbie sits at the feet of JEsus, blessed. I am sorry she left so early, but how blessed you both were to have one another.

Have a wonderful day, my friend
Hugs, love & prayers,
TTFN ~
Marydon

Sweet Tea said...

You're a sweetheart to be able to count your blessings even when it's not a particularly "happy" day. Now, on to Fun Friday!

Lois Christensen said...

I really am sorry to hear you lost your friend. Hoping and praying the Comforter will bring His special to you and her family!

Betty Manousos said...

what a powerful tribute to you dear friend!

you were blessed to have such a special and good friend in your life...
sending big hugs to you right now, dear friend.

(((hugs)))

Debby@Just Breathe said...

{{{HUGS}}}

Unknown said...

(((HUGS))) from me too!

Skoots1moM said...

if her grandson is close by...you can continue to love on him for her! :)

Bev said...

Sandi don't we have a wonderful hope! You have it right...gratitude!!! for what you had... gratitude always brings joy! hugs:)

Mary said...

Your heading of courage is part of this experience with Debbie, too, as you look at the happiness she brings into your memories. You are sweet.

Ann said...

even when you expect it, it's still not easy losing a friend. It is comforting to know that she is at peace and no longer in pain. Prayers for you both in this difficult time

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

May the Lord comfort you, Sandie.

acorn hollow said...

So sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have a friend that long in life and to remain heart to heart through the years.
thinking of you
Cathy

Blondee said...

Be comforted in knowing you were an important part of her well lived and loved life.

Rob-bear said...

Blessings and Bear hugs, continuing.

And it's good to have Fun on Friday!

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Sending you my deepest sympathy and prayers for you and her family.
Love ya
Maggie

Tanna said...

You two were very fortunate to share such a wonderful friendship over a quarter of a century... a true gift. I am so very sorry for your loss. xoxo ~ tanna

andy said...

Im sorry for your loss !!!! Have a great weekend as best you can

Marianne (Mare) Baker Ball said...

Oh, so sorry to hear you have lost your friend. You have a beautiful attitude, however. Remember the good, know she's OK, being grateful that things were not worse. I pray God keeps you close at this time.

Grandma Bonnie said...

I am looking forward to your Fun Friday. I am sure Debbie would aprove. I am glad you have many memories to hole on to. I hope you have a great evening and a great Friday.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Do you think we all have more than one angel? And I wonder if we ask God for a particular Angel- do you think we get our wish?
I know you would ask for your friend to be your angel- right?

But I know someone feels very special right now having her for their angel.
love
tweedles

jack69 said...

I just know she said, "You are my best friend". That time was definitely not lost. What a joy to have a friendship like that!
Love & Prayers from here!!

Marie said...

big hug to you Sandie.
love,
Marie

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Losing those we love hurts so much. How grateful we are though that they were a part of our lives.

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Hi Sandie,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hugs,
Dee

JeanMac said...

Oh boy, tough one. So sorry.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I'm so sorry ... praying that your memories of Debbie will give you comfort.