A Wonderful Friend...

I know many of you know through other blog sites that this past week marked the 'anniversary' of our dear friend's death. Her name was Heidi. I went to high school with her, but didn't REALLY get to know her until we were considered 'young marrieds'. I helped plan activities for our Sunday School group and she was always willing to help out and even host something at her house! One thing I learned from her, is to always have a 'open front door'. She (and her husband) would open their doors to anyone at anytime.

This picture was taken on our church's NYC Missions Trip the summer of 2003. Heidi was working at a prayer station that day. She found out on this trip that she was pregnant! Which I kind of suspected....because she had the twinkle in her eye and was definitely glowing! But, I wanted her to be the one to tell me when she wanted to tell me.

There is not a day that goes by (or even an hour) that I don't think of her and wonder what she would be doing here on earth or even what she's doing up there in the presence of GOD!! I miss her so much but anxiously wait until I get to see her again! Isn't that an amazing thought? We ARE going to see her again! She was such a role model for me. I wish I could have told her that in person. I find myself asking myself...hmmm...if Heidi was in this situation, what would SHE do? She was a wonderful Christian lady, an awesome friend to EVERYONE, a great/telented singer, a dedicated wife....I could go on and on.

I debated whether to post something or not...but I feel like this is an good way for me to 'remember' her and share just what she meant to me. Here are some pictures I took off my fridge and scanned. I know that this is a rather long 'post' but thank you for allowing me to share my feelings about her. I am SO grateful that God gave me the opportunity to know her...even for such a brief moment.

This picture (above) is the last picture I have of her. It was the Sunday before she delivered her son. We had a church shower for her and this was the 'committee'. Check out all that food? I remember her facial expression when she walked in the house. Her eyes got so big and of course her smile brightened the entire room. That was Heidi for you!

Sorry this picture is kind of crooked. This is Heidi and her sweet dog, Lacy! This is probably one of my favorite pictures of Heidi. She was so naturally beautiful!

This is a group of girls that went to a local tea room. I think it was around Spring Break of 2003 if I am not mistaken. We had a great time hanging out, shopping and of course, EATING! This picture (left to right) is Heidi, Callie, Me (looking nice-n-pastey), Elisa and Heidi's sister-in-law, Megan. That is one day I will never forget!

One last picture...I organized a "Young Married's Sunday School" trip to Gatlinburg in the fall of 2003. This is the group after stuffing our faces at "Mel's Diner". What a fun trip! I am SO glad to have the opportunity to spend time with Andy and Heidi (and everyone else on the trip, of course). It was a great time of bonding!

The song by Mercy Me called "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE" was one that became "Heidi's Song" to many of us. Just thinking that she was in Heaven, face to face with her Lord and Savior....WE can ONLY imagine.

I have become a fan of Mark Harris and he sings the song "Wish You Were Here". EVERYTIME that song comes on the radio (or I play the CD)...I automatically think of Heidi and all the other family members and friends who have 'gone home'. For those of you who new her, know she had the MOST beautiful voice. I can just hear her singing this. Here are the words...

"Wish You Were Here" (I Cor. 2:9)

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept

The memories of you in my heart

And all of the lifetimes that we had to share

Live even though we're apart.

But don't cry for me

'Cause I'm finally free.

CHORUS

To run with the angels

On streets made of gold

To listen to stories of saints new and old

To worship our Maker

That's where I'll be

When you finally find me.

Now don't you be weary cause waiting for you

Are wonders that you've never known

Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for His hands

And one day they'll welcome you home.

And that's when you'll be

Finally free

Finally free

CHORUS

To run with the angels

On streets made of gold

To listen to stories of saints new and old

To worship our Maker

That's where I'll be

When you finally find me

I wish you were here, I wish were you here

And all of the dreams that you treasure

Will soon come together

And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow

And you will rise again

CHORUS

To run with the angels on streets made of gold

To listen to stories of saints new and old

To worship our Maker that's where you'll be

When you finally find me

We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold

We'll listen to stories of saints new and old

We'll worship our Maker that's where we'll be

When you finally find me.

I wish you were here...