Thursday, September 16, 2010

A TEARFUL TRIBUTE

My dear friend with the brain tumor died relatively quietly Tuesday at a local Hospice House with her daughter and son-in-law with her.

I am saddened I have a complicated stress test during her Celebration of Life Friday.

One of her requests was no one was to wear black, but bright cheerful colors. So like her! I wish I could be there to tell some of the very funny things she, I and my best friend did and said that kept us in peals of laughter. Today I have chosen a font color of Autumn in honor of her request.

She was one of few with whom I could discuss both politics and religions. We giggled and laughed at her extreme liberalism and my self-described one-step-right-of-center--nobody-cares-till-it-is-time-to-vote-stance. On religious issues we agreed far more than not, plus contributed to charitable efforts of our respective churches, not so much because of the church efforts but our respect for each other's devotion to the efforts. 

We talked and listened to gospel music, especially the Gaithers, one of which was SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS.

I, being the perpetual student, wondered what it would be like to sit at the feet of the only Perfect Master Teacher I perceive walked the earth. She being the more impetuous thinker, said, (I remember verbatim to this day), "The first thing I am going to do when I get to Heaven is jump in His Lap and Hug His Neck."

Her remark reminded me of the Master's admonition we had to change and become as little children to enter heaven. (Matthew 18:3ff)

Tearfully and joyfully tonight, Jan, I know you are sitting on the Lap of the Holy One. Some day, hopefully, I will join you and hope you will be among the throng waiting to welcome me, and my many pets from Rainbow Bridge, walk into the Land of NO TEARS, PEACE and FOREVER LIGHT.

SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS


SITTING AT THE FEET OF JESUS LYRICS

Lyrics: J. H. (author unknown except by initials)
Music: Asa Hull

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Oh, what words I hear Him say!
Happy place! so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day;


Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I would look upon the past;
For His love has been so gracious,
It has won my heart at last.


Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest,

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
There I love to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day.


Bless me, O my Savior, bless me,
As I sit low at Thy feet;
Oh, look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet;

Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus,
Keep me holy as He is;
May I prove I’ve been with Jesus,
Who is all my righteousness.

9 comments:

Lisa said...

Oh! I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. I wore a bright red dress to my father funeral. He loved me in red. And, you know, It felt good not to be in black.

Again, I am so sorry.

Beautiful tribute to your friend.

xoxo, Lisa

Dimple said...

I am sorry your friend has gone, but I believe you will see her again.
I had to laugh when you quoted her plan for when she saw Jesus, as I have a friend who has said much the same thing!
May you find comfort in the Lord.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that your friend has left this earth and I know you will miss her. One day you will be together again. Wonderful tribute to your friend in this post.

Praying for you to find peace and comfort during this time of loss. Hugs

Ginny said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Her spirit and joy walks with you still. May your memories of your friendship help you during this sad time.

Richard Lawry said...

When I was growing up, I remember that the song "Sitting at the Feet of Jesus" was Hymn #618 in our hymnal. It was the only song in the Hymnal that I could play on the piano.

My son's mother-in-law died from cancerous brain tumors a month ago. I'm glad that both of us have hope in the resurrection.

An Arkies Musings

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

What a wonderful tribute to your friend. She sounds like a beautiful person.

Lorna said...

Not just tearful, but loving and respectful and sometimes funny---just right.

Arkansas Patti said...

I am so sorry you lost your friend. She sounded delightful. You were lucky to be in each others lives.
Knowing she is out of pain, whole and in the lap of Jesus has to be of comfort.
Good luck with your tests.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I am so very, very sorry, Carol...I have been praying for her since you mentioned her struggle...I'm so glad that you have the comfort of knowing you will see her again. But I know your heart aches...My heart is with you!! Love and prayers, Janine XO