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Monday, September 27, 2010

On Death

I love this quote!

The fear of death follows from the fear of life.  A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.  ~Mark Twain

I received a phone call today. A sad one to tell me Jonel passed away. She was my up line, the Princess House unit organizer I first meet in January 1996.  It was a sad day when I met her, my vibrant and beautiful niece had passed away. She was 18 and enjoying her first year in college. She died from a rare form of blood poisoning, in Atlanta Georgia, the home of the Infectious Disease Control. Jonel came to my home to help me earn some free Princess House. We got a long well and I joined the company a few weeks later. Anything to keep ones mind busy when death creeps into your personal space. She had a kindness I liked and she handled my phamily situation so beautifully. I have never forgotten that.
Death comes and life goes on. Weird isn't it? But somehow no matter who we are, no matter who we lose to death's unkind hand we must honor the person we lose. We must continue to live no matter how difficult it seems.
I worked with a doctor who once said "Why is it all the good people die too soon?" My grandmother use to say that God takes some of us and leaves the others because some of us still have lessons to learn.
I am always sad when I lose someone I know who does not know the Lord. But I can not throw up my hands and cry out in despair because God has a plan and I am hopeful His plan includes those last minute moments reaching out to Him before one's life is finished on this earth.
Jonel passed way too soon for me. She was beautiful and vibrant and she was in her forties. She left a husband and two daughters in their 20s behind. 
I will never figure out life while I am here. Maybe when I meet the Lord myself I can get some answers to a handful of questions I carry with me.
Until then we all need to do those things we keep putting off. Make those phone calls and lunch  plans. Don't put off today what tomorrow may not bring.
    John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (NIV)



 

 

8 comments:

Terra said...

That is sad news about your friend, Jonel, and good advice from you about making that phone call, seeing that person, etc. Did you read C.S. Lewis' book "A Grief Observed", about his reaction to the death of his wife? I love that book.

Dogmom Diva said...

Anne, I am so sorry about your friend Jonel. I will never figure out anything it has been a summer of loss for me. First my sweet friend Judi passed away in early August 46 day after being diagnosed with lung cancer at a young 66, then Lainie's dad Ed passed away at age 53. Now your friend..
God has a plan otherwise I don't think we could handle it all.

hugs
Barb

Denise said...

So very sorry about your friend, love you.

Sue McPeak said...

Anne...Visiting you today was meant to be as your post has given me much needed comfort. My Brother went to be with our Lord Friday Sept. 24th and the Memorial Service was yesterday. He was 48 years old and had bravely battled lung cancer for this past 11 months. This post and the scripture touched my heart. Thank you. I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. Your well spoken words in her memory are a testament to your frendship.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

So sorry for the loss of your friend. I know what an empty space others leave in us when they pass. Your sweet words and scripture bring much comfort!

Jane said...

I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend, and will keep you in my prayers. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time,

Jane

Pam said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. As others have stated we cannot understand why some are taken so early in life. We lost our son in a swimming pool accident at the age of 21 in 2007. We are comforted by our wonderful memories and the knowledge that he is with our Lord and Savior.

Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and scripture.

Intense Guy said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you.