This has been a rough week. Sadly, my dear friend, Lora, passed away unexpectedly on the 24th. Shocked and heartbroken pretty much sums it up. She was so full of life and active and healthy and it just doesn't make a lick of sense. But we've talked about it before and she said that when it was her time to go, she just wanted the good Lord to just take her and he did just that. She was just crouched down in front of the wood stove, starting a fire, and her sweet husband walked in and found her with her chin resting on the top of the wood stove. None of us were ready for her to go, but none of us are ever ready to lose a loved one. She was 3 days shy of her 51st birthday. Remember, she and I and M had just returned from our YeeHaw birthday trip the week before.
Her family put together a wonderful celebration on Tuesday. A dear friend performed the service and another precious friend sang her favorite praise songs. And celebrate we did because Lora deserved to be celebrated and although we weep and mourn, when I think of Lora, I can't help but laugh. After all, M and I did a lot of that when we were all together.
Carpe diem. Seize the day. That pretty much sums up Lora. She fit so much into her day. You've no doubt heard of the type of lady that made Satan say, "Crap. She's up!" when she woke up. M said that was Lora and she was right.
Lora had a heart for her friends and family and the Lord and we're all going to be ok because we know where she is. I've no doubt that she gave the good Lord a good, long, Lora hug because that what she did when she saw you and you had better have your feet firmly planted because she hugged you with all she had. I will miss those hugs.
I went to work on Monday because Grandma Lillian told me to. At 90, Grandma Lillian has learned a few things about life and at 50, I have learned to listen. Lora would fuss if I didn't get out and celebrate life and I don't like it when Lora fusses at me, although she fussed with love. Lora did everything with love and even though she was one of a kind, I wish for you all to have a Lora in your life at some point and time.
She lived life with passion and there was no way I could keep up with her, but that didn't faze her one little bit. She just grabbed a hold of me and drug me behind her and I could always count on it being an adventure.
Lora had a green thumb for flowers and sunflowers were her favorite so I ordered a huge lot of sunflowers to plant along a fence line and along one side of the chicken coop. I treasure your friendship and cherish the memories and I'll never look at a pumpkin without thinking of you.
You are loved and missed sweet friend. Thank you for the blessing of being your friend.
19 comments:
I am so sorry for your loss!
I lost a close friend some years ago & I found it harder than losing family members!
I've tried three times to write something, but what I want you to know is that while I feel the sadness in your post I feel so blessed to have you share both her life and your celebration of it. I have often thought of life as a painting or a quilt with lights and darks and you get to choose whether you drown in the darks (which I think we all do sometimes) or use them as a way to highlight the lights which you've done so beautifully here. Thank you and know that thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Karin, my heart aches for you and Lora's family. I'm a little in shock myself -- she was SO young. Praying God's sweet peace that passes all understanding for you and that He comforts y'all as you grieve. Hugs ... :)
Karin, I am so so sorry for your loss, and can understand what a shock it is. I love that you are celebrating her, and the sunflowers are a great idea, and Grandma is a smart woman! Hugs to you!
Ah, Karin, I'm so sorry for your friend Lora's sudden leaving. But I'm so grateful you were able to spend several days with her. Blessings to you and Lora's loved ones and family who will miss her.
That is too young to die, I am so sorry for your lose and I am glad that you are blessed with a heart that can celebrate the losses.
Oh Honey- I am SO sorry. I am glad that you had time with her just recently - that was a blessing. Hug her husband for us, and make yours hug you. I am thinking Grandma Lillian knows a thing or two ;-) Great big Hugs!
Bucket loads of prayers, hugs and blessings!!
Oh, Sweet Karin, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend, Lora. Keep all the memories near and dear in your heart.
Karin, I'm so sorry you lost your dear friend. It's hard to let go. Remember the good times.
I still can't believe Lora died, but am so glad you and M. were able to spend some good time together before she went to the Lord. I am very thankful that someday you will be reunited and get to feel her hug again. She was blessed to have you in her life.
{{{{{{{Karin}}}}}}} My thoughts are with you and Lora's family and friends. May His peace be with you ... <3
So sorry to read of your loss. You have painted such a beautiful picture of Lora and you have some wonderful memories to treasure until you meet again ♥♥
hugs and prayers
O My Gosh....I can't believe that. I am so sad for her family and friends. Wow. Thinking of you and her family and praying for all of you. I'm just shocked. So thankful you, Lora and M got to have a fun weekend.
So sorry for the lose of your dear friend, I haven't had that experience in my live, and I'm grateful for that. I am "that age" and you never know when it will come. Just be thankful she was a lover of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is now friending everyone in heaven. You will see her again some day. Hugs and prayers to you and M.
That is too young to leave. I'm so sorry for the sadness this has bought you and her family. Moments like this make us stop and realize how precious life is. Hugs and prayers sent your way.
I read this post earlier but was too emotional to post then, it's difficult even now. Sudden death is so traumatic. We're so unprepared. I am so sorry you are experiencing it. There is very little that can comfort. Glad you have Grandma Lillian. I worry for Lora's husband. A healthy wife that has a sudden, unexplained death and some "officer" of the law looking to make a name for himself can wreck havoc with his already sensitive emotions. Give him my love and tell him I'm talking to the "Big Boss." I believe all prayers are heard and righteousness will prevail.
so sorry about your dear friend Karin.
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