A little too late

Why is it that we don't tell people how special they are until they are gone. Why is it that some people stay in your life for a life time and others for a very short period. I'm not really sure the answer to these questions, but what I do know is that I'm going to greatly miss a sweet friend who is leaving and I am thankful for God allowing our paths to cross.

I feel those who know me best, know that I can be high energy and very particular. Through out life I feel this has not always brought me the "closest" friends because I run them off, lets be honest. My token saying is, "I'm getting better". No seriously, I feel through God's grace and through having a Godly, patient husband I am getting better. Through no effort of my own, this past year I have gained two wonderful friends. Friends who much like my husband have caused me to want to be a better person.

I cherish and value these friends because I see attributes in them that I long to strive for. Attributes such as gentleness, patience, over abounding joy, generosity and godliness. I do not mean to put these people on pedestals, I simply want to let them know they have made a difference in my life.

Hannah Hadaway I cry even as I write your name. Never thought the day I met you at a pre-natal yoga class you would have such an impact in my life. You are sweet and genuine. Your care free spirit encourages me and your generosity humbles me. Correction, I met you at Matt and Pris's house, where you very bubbly came up with your hand out stretched and said, "hi, I'm Hannah Hadaway. The warmth and kindness that radiates from you is infectious. Another thing that you taught me is to just "get it done". You may not realize this, but when I would freak out about something, you would just take the bull by the horns and find a solution. Thank you for that example and for being patient with me. You and your sweet family will be missed soo much. We definitely met a little too late, but I am thankful for the sweet, precious time we were able to have.

Hannah Hendrix where do I begin. I met you so long ago, but I guess God knew when I needed you most! Faithful friend = Hannah Hendrix. "Sweet as Pie" and "Bless your bones" are a few of my favorite things she says. Hannah has a genuine spirit and I am thankful for the example she has provided to me in so many things. She speaks good of all people and she always seeks to help in whatever ways she can. She knows if she moves I will seriously need to be resuscitated!

I know God has a plan and I trust that plan is good. I am happy for Hannah, Kerry, Mary Lou and Rachel as they move and pray for God's blessing and provision in their lives. I will miss them greatly, but am oh so happy to have met them. The same goes for many people, but these two friends have had significant impact in my life this year and I am grateful. I pray as the years go on I can reciprocate the things I have learned to others. I pray He will continue to give me grace by helping me see things that need to change and bringing people into my life that help me flesh those things out.

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. C.S. Lewis

In every one's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. Albert Schweitzer