For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Today those who knew and loved Lena will gather together to celebrate her life! I thought it fitting to honor her by dedicating this post to her.

Three years ago I stopped in at her home to check on her. Her significant other, Don, was in the hospital and worried about her. They lived close to me, so I asked if it was okay to check in on her. Of course, Don was thrilled to have another set of eyes looking in.

From the first moment I saw her, I was captivated. She invited me into her home and we talked for a long time that first day. Her joy and compassion oozed out of every pore. It didn’t seem like there was a resentful bone in her body. My husband and I were dealing with some pretty hard things at the time and Lena was a fresh, cool drink of water. I left that day wondering how soon I could go back without being a nuisance.

Over the next three years our friendship grew and soon it was Dave and I going to visit Don and Lena. And then we shared dinners together and long evenings on the porch or around the table. Eventually, as Lena’s condition worsened, I would sit by her bed and watch HGTV with her while Dave visited with Don.

I will miss Lena. Her unconditional love and acceptance was a gift to me. She never expected anything of me other than to be myself. Her space was big enough for everyone and whatever you brought with you. She just wiggled over and made room.

I will miss Lena. Her resilient spirit amazed me. Her life was filled with joy, laughter, hardship and tragedy but she lived it all without becoming bitter or hardened. She rolled with the punches and came out shining like gold.

I will miss Lena. The mischievous twinkle in her eye when she told stories of long ago was unmistakable. She laughed easily, loved deeply and forgave quickly.

I went to Lena’s that day to make sure she was all right and I walked away with the greatest gift a person can receive – a true friend. I am the one who benefited from that walk up the road. And I’m so glad I took it.

Today we will celebrate Lena’s life but I will celebrate God’s goodness to me. Oh what a joy it has been to know this woman and experience a bit of Jesus on earth through her.