Sharon…

I first met Sharon when I was her brother’s secretary.  She, along with her Mom and her brother were visiting and came into the office to spend time with her brother.

I confess the first time I saw the family walk into our offices I was very intimidated.  I didn’t know what to say or actually how I was supposed to act.  I remember Sharon was so sweet, she smiled and we exchanged pleasantries and shortly after they all walked out.

Through the years,  I grew to love the family, and we are very close friends. Today I talked with her brother and sister-in-law.  We talked about Sharon, and like that first day meeting her, I didn’t know what to say.  Tears ran down my cheek as we visited on the phone and we talked about Sharon.  She passed away today and this world lost a very special person, although Heaven gained a mighty warrior of faith.

As is typical, the words, she is out of pain were said, along with words she will be missed. Kind words with good intentions, but, so sorely lacking in what was desired to be said.  So, as I can usually express myself much better in writing, I have taken to this blog to express my thoughts.

Sharon had a wonderful laugh.  The kind of laughter that is quiet but filled with mirth and life.  Her eyes twinkled when she talked about her youngest brother.  Those eyes reflected years of memories and adventures they only knew about.  She was proud of her brother’s family.  I saw that many times while sitting on a couch with her as she watched her niece and nephews and their children experience life.

She loved to pray and we often talked about prayer and in particular, praying for her brother when we were together.  I knew when I prayed for him and his wife that there was a strong back-up pray-er that joined with me.

It has been several years since I last saw Sharon.  We actually live across the country from her and her brother.  But, with relationships that are not just friends, but family, time and distance does not make a difference.

After hanging up with our friends today, my thoughts have gone back to the conversation we had.  Things I wish I could have voiced are still rambling around my brain, it will take a few days for them to connect into coherent thoughts.  I have also thought of my two sisters and how difficult it would be to say good-bye to them.  Time quickly passes and there are times when you don’t call or check in.  There have been too many of those times in my life, and I will not recover those missed opportunities to tell my sisters how much they mean to me.

So, as my rambling comes to a close, allow me to say once more, the world lost an amazing woman today, one who encouraged me, challenged me and in the short visits we would have, made an impact on my life that I will carry with me until I see her once more in eternity.   Each person we lose here on earth makes heaven just all that more sweeter.  As I end this, I will text my sisters, just to check on them.  Thanks for stopping by today, Cathi (DAF)

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