Today we said our goodbye's to Flora. It was a lovely service filled with all of the truth and humor that made up her life. As I looked around at the many people that were there to honor her life I reflected a bit more on just what Flora meant to me.
There was a time in the service that they asked for people to speak up about their remembrances. I was not comfortable to do that for many reasons but I certainly had a lot I could have shared.
About 25 years ago I got to know Flora. Really even before I became such close friends with her daughter, Beverly. Flora worked with me during a time in my life when I was really struggling. She would often see me crying or just sad and she would take the time to listen. Often times she would say a few words of encouragement but sometimes it would be words that were necessary to help me get back to where I needed to be. There was never a word of condemnation. She just knew the right thing to say at the right time. And she always committed to pray for me. I will always cherish that about her. And I want to be that kind of friend to others.
Flora wrote a book that she just got printed and bound a couple of months ago. It is a chronicle of her life stories. What a treasure. She wrote of the highs and lows of her life and most of all she wrote about her love for her Savior. I was honored that she gave me one and that she wrote an inscription just for me in its cover. As I think about her doing this it has challenged me to get busy and write down the stories of my life. Maybe that will be the gift that she gave to me - the challenge - the inspiration to get busy doing what I have always wanted to do.
At the end of her book she concluded with a passage from Psalm 73. I share it now because it was her testimony. She truly knew she was held by our Father.
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish, you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God. I have made the Lord God my refuge."
You are now with our Savior, dear Flora. You likely never knew just how much you meant to me. It was more than just apple dumplings we made together. You wrapped my broken heart at a time when few knew it was damaged. The twinkle in your eye and the smile you always showed me - even when you were in such discomfort will always be the image I will see when I think of you. You are now with your loved ones who have gone on before you. Maybe if you could - would you look up my folks? I am sure my mom would love to meet you. You both had so much in common. Most of all - that you both loved me!
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