Sometimes things happen that really shake me to the core. Make me step back and re-evaluate my life, those around me, etc ... I'm sure that happens to everyone, right?
Recently a woman that I know, her daughter cheers w/my daughter, was diagnosed with lung cancer. I never got the chance to talk to her about it, but I did tell her best friend to let her know I was praying for her and her family. See, my Dad is a cancer survivor - MANY times over - and I wanted to pray with her and tell her my Dad's story.
Unfortunately, I never got that chance. I got the phone call on Thursday that she had passed away. I was on my way to the Taylor Swift concert w/Princess and I drove in complete and utter silence. Just in shock. She had a blood clot in her heart and from what I understand, it was a near instant death. I don't believe ANYONE was expecting it and actually, she was just gearing up for treatment.
I just wonder - did God know the treatments weren't going to work and he took her quickly to not put her through the pain. Not only her, but her loved ones watching her go through it - because TRUST ME - it is not anything I would wish on anyone. Watching someone battle cancer is difficult and any end result is a joyous celebration, whether they beat it or not. You are happy because they beat it or you are happy the Lord took them home so they do not have to suffer anymore.
My heart breaks for Trenda's family ~ she loved Jesus and was an amazing example of a Godly woman. I KNOW, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is laughing and smiling in heaven. She was 37 yrs old and lost her Daddy this past summer. I read her obituary yesterday morning and it was the most beautifully written obituary I think I've ever read!
SO - I say all that to say this - this sudden loss has me reflecting {again} on my life. The little things I worry about, really, are so insignificant. I need to be the best wife, Mommy, daughter, sister, friend that I can be. I am one of those people that tells their friends "Love you" when we leave or hang up, because I can sure tell you, in an instant it can all be gone. I want to make a mark, I want to leave a lasting impression of my life here. I need to QUIT CARING what people think about me and just do what I want to do and what the Lord leads me to do. Period.
If you're the praying kind, please lift up Trenda Gude's family in prayer - they are sure going to need it. It is going to be a tough road, but I know God's peace that surpasses ALL understanding will surround them.
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College Bound ~TTUT~
10 years ago
7 comments:
Many hugs to you and many prayers to her family. It is sad. I know that the ultimate goal is spend eternity with our Lord...but it's hard to lose somebody from Earth.
In December, my youngest was performing with a special camp at a basketball camp. It was our first family bb game. A friend from church who's child was playing in the game, stopped to ask me about so and so. A church friend had lost her life the day before due to a blood clot. She went to the er for shortness of breathing and was gone shortly there after.
Questions appear. I couldn't talk, I was speechless. So unexpected.
She taught sunday school with me for years, had young children, was a preschool teacher, a faithful Christian, and a huge leader in the Girl Scouts' community...and she was gone like that. No time to say goodbye.
I know that God was and is taking care of her, but when learning of Amy's passing. I was quiet. I couldn't speak. Faith and trust had to carry me and so many other church members or we would have questioned His doing.
Don't know why i shared so much, except that I feel for you so much.
As for any kind of cancer, I have had so many people close to me fight this disease..some are somewhat successful right now while others are with God. Sometimes I find myself so angry with cancer. A little girl in my child's dance class just lost her mother to breast cancer. It breaks my heart...seven years old and living life without your mom.
I am reminded of my blessings so much.
I am sorry for your loss. I'm sending hugs and sunshine.
I'm sorry - keeping you in my thoughts today.
So sad. The family is in my prayers.
So sorry about your friend, but yes, you're right, I'm sure she's smiling and 2) the insignificant things we worry about really aren't important which is part of my Lenten promise to be less negative. Prayers going up for her family and friends.
Your post is so beautifully written. My prayers go out to her family.
Tears just filled my eyes reading this post. I can't imagine the shock, grief, pain, and sadness that the family and friends are feeling right now. I will send up a prayer for peace and comfort to surround all who are hurting due to this loss. You are so right, tragedies such as these certainly put things into perspective. The little things really do not matter, at all. It reminds us to love our family constantly and to be the best mom/wife/daughter/friend that we can possibly be. Again, my prayers are with you and everyone else who has lost this sweet lady in their lives.
Natalie
As Trenda's cousin, I know first hand what a wonderful...and totally crazy... girl she was. Thank you for the beautiful post. It means so much.
jeanette from www.sweetjeanette.com
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