Dear Sally,

I just for home from your Celebration of Life service. Thank you for inviting me. I know it was you who prompted Sarah to email me when she saw your obituary in the paper. I know you wanted me to be there even though it’s been awhile since we’ve seen each other.

I’ll never forget the last time I remember seeing you. Of course I don’t remember what we talked about, but you were out on your patio tending to your incredible garden. I don’t know how in the world you had such a beautiful space just outside your apartment. I’m not sure how long ago that was, but over a year for sure.

I’ve thought about you since, especially when I go get my hair cut. Micha always asks if I’ve seen you, and guiltily, I say no. Micha came today to the service. I guess you know that. There were so many times when I’d see you at church during bible study or service and think I should be doing something to help you. But then I would get stuck at just thinking about it and never take action. I know if I told you I felt guilty about this you’d tell me that was nonsense and that you had plenty of people offering to help, but what you really wanted was to take care of yourself.

I wasn’t sure if I was coming today. I think I was afraid. Afraid of what, I don’t know, but maybe it was because it would make the fact that you are gone real. It would mean all those things I never did for you couldn’t be done. It would mean I had to face the fact that I failed you as a friend. It would mean I might have to see your loved ones desperate for you to return.

I asked God, and you, the help me with my decision. Of course, I already knew the answer. But so often that’s how prayer works. I think we use it sometimes as a stalling technique when we don’t want to do what God has asked of us. Even though I knew I needed to go, I tried to sabotage my chance of getting there by going to Costco. On a Saturday morning! I talked to you the whole way there and asked you to help me get through and back home in time to make it to your service. I knew you could work that miracle, and you did.

Your service was perfect, of course, because you planned it. The right people were there just as you wanted, and a sense of peace was spread throughout the sanctuary. The words of the Pastor, your brother, additional family, friends, and of course Pastor Al, resonated through the room and touched each person’s heart.

I knew you for a short time Sally, a season. You came into my life, as they say, for a reason. Thank you for loving God more than anyone I know. Thank you for having incredible faith in your terrible circumstance. Thank you for your beautiful eyes, smile, and soul. Thank you for calling me friend, and for loving me.

I’m gonna miss you Sally. I’ll see you in Heaven someday.

Love,
Lori