I Lost a Friend

"So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side." 

John Bunyan, 1628-1688

It was the end of the year in 1978. I was a new Christian, just finding my way in a new church, and lots of new people that I didn't know. The church was starting a Single's Ministry, still a new concept in church life, and since I was a single parent I decided that's where I should be.

On the Sunday of the first Sunday School class for singles, I found a seat next to a lady. And that's how are 40 year friendship began.

Clara and I have been writing monthly notes to each other ever since, occasionally calling on special occasions. She moved near Ashville, NC some 30 years ago, but distance didn't deter our friendship.

Clara was 20 years my senior, a warm and inviting Christian woman, and I loved her. She died in January. My tears have just stopped. This is the first time in my 68 years that I've lost someone close to me. I will see her again in heaven.

I will miss her monthly notes, her hand writing and how she expressed herself. I will miss that connection with another human via the instrument of note writing. We last spoke at Christmas.

 
The note came from her daughter today telling me of her passing. There is someone in heaven who will welcome me home when I get there. Jesus and Clara.

I'm very fortunate I haven't lost people that I held close to my heart in this life before this. I've lost grandparents, my father, aunts and uncles and cousins, but my family was very cold and strife was the familiar language. So friends became those dear to my heart.

I am fortunate in friends. I maintain contact with friends from all seasons of life. Some of you may remember the "Celebration of Friends" party I had for my 55th birthday. I celebrated sixteen of my closest friends on a beautiful March afternoon, thanking them for their friendship. It's one of the most important things I've done in my life.

I will miss Clara. And I will strive to hold dear the many friends I have while they are here. At this season of my life, I will see more loved ones pass on to the next life, settling in heaven. But for now, my heart hurts.

"Each departed friend is a magnet that attracts us to the next world."

Johann Paul Freidrich Richter, 1763-1825

PS  After reading this post, my friend, Carol, sent over Michael W. Smith's beautiful song, "Friends are Friends Forever."  I saw Michael Smith singing this in concert some 38 years ago. Thanks Carol, for reminding me of this wonderful song!

"Packing up the dreams God planted In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Chorus
"And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never 'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long To live as friends

"With the faith and love God's given Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in Is the strength that now you show
But we'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong."

Chorus
 
https://binged.it/2EKyRtW