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Tribute To My Friend Sue

We first met at O’Charlies with her tears and my ears.
We had attended Sunday School together - we joined
another for a couple years. When we returned, her spouse
had died. Proverbial arms were already ‘round her sweet soul.

She braved returning to church, knowing we’d see her.
A wreck, she loved that man with everything; her source
of strength, he was. They had planned to serve together.
He had his lovely voice, his guitar - they’d read the bible

with the seniors at a small center, even to memory-impaired.
But, this assignment was given to this heartbroken soul,
stepping up as a leader, with encouragement. Eager
to do her best, she gained a following. I served with her
for awhile, after our meeting for lunch at her favorite place.

Back to O’Charlies, Sue’s tears shattered upon the table,
the floor, my shoulder. I was wet with her pure grief.
It was my first time seeing someone so wrecked from
losing their dearly departed. I had seen others, but only
as a freeze-frame. Sue allowed me in and I loved her dearly.

You’ve probably guessed, she has left her place on earth.
Exciting that she’s joined her beloved Al in heaven. Found
out about her passing only yesterday, but she died in May.
Still processing the death of this saint, who loved her grands,
her pet, her church, her friends and most certainly the Lord.

She was the one who would show up with goodies, specially
baked chocolate chip cookies. Bravely and faithfully attended
Sunday School, on Thursday evenings, when she could.

I know I heard God’s voice telling me to grab her hand,
bring her up front to praise the Lord, as the invitation 
had been made. She was not in my direct eyesight, but
I could feel her heartbeat. How interesting that it was
Valentine’s Day and my husband was sick at home.

So I grabbed Sue’s hand and we walked up front to praise
together. With tears in her eyes, she asked “Kim, how
did you know?” I told her that Al was with us, we are all
part of the communion of saints. I held her heart, and I
was blessed by a friendship that transcends time and space.

Rest in peace, my sweet friend! I will see you one future day.

Tears…

6/22/2023

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