Say Goodnight, Not Goodbye

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've taken the time to post more than a line or two here.  So much has happened in the past two months, there has been joy and sadness...

On Monday, April 19th, my dear friend Gwen passed from this life into the next one.  I can still scarcely comprehend that.  Tonight, I came across a picture of her sweet face and totally broke down.  It's the first time I've really let the sadness of losing her wash over me.  I'm not sure why-- maybe because I just knew that she was going to make it.  If anyone had the faith and the eternal optimism to overcome cancer, surely it was Gwen.  But God had other plans.  And those of us who love her so must move ahead, with a piece of our hearts missing.  

I can hear her laughter, her southern lilt, the Louisiana slipping out in the way she said "yestuhday," and it seems like yesterday when she was all excited over some DUH licious new restaurant she'd found.  

I miss you Gwen and I don't understand why you had to leave us, but I'm so thankful that God lent us your sunshine for a while.  

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  Psalm 116:15