One of her wishes was that her belongings be sold to put towards a trust for her boys. Her wish. But how to give away a life to strangers? Her jewelry and her clothing? Her dishes and her towels? Her jewelry and furniture and books? This is too hard.
A few things we will buy ourselves. Things to remember her. I hold a necklace in my hands. Run my fingers across the colorful beads of blue. From a colorful time gone by. Days of life and love and joy. Dinners with friends, bike rides with boys. Nature hikes and daily mass.
The rhythm of an ordinary life that held an extra heavy burden. The cancer was there at every turn. Chasing her at night, washing fear into her days. Oh, the agony of five years of suffering! How did she carry on?
Fight she did. With all her mind, all her soul, and all her strength. For her boys. But in the end God was calling her. Leave your possessions behind and follow me.
The ironing board and sewing machine will dwell with that mother of 12. The bunk beds will hold her children's friends. The rocker will rock some baby she loved to hold. The towels will dry a cold and wet body. The books will inspire a friend. The plates will hold the meals of a family. The jewelry will bring a smile to that lady's face. And the Christmas wreath will bring joy to a new home.
Whether the belongings dwell with friends or strangers, it doesn't matter. She needs them no more. Her smile and memories will always be a part of her family and friends. Her strength and courage and determination will inspire us. Her ordinary life will help us to find joy in our days and faith in our nights.
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." Mark 10:21
2 comments:
Wow, Blair. I don't know what else to say. What a wonderful lady Kelly must have been and what a beautiful friend you are to her and her boys. Such a beautiful post.
Your friendship and true sisterly love for Kelly shines through in this post.
Every woman would be blessed to have such a good friend as you, what a blessing you are to her family and your community as all are surely gripped with sadness right now.
Your decision to maintain HOPE though the mourning is surely contagious!
Post a Comment