We knew each other since 1998.
She and her husband lived with their son, who had moved into the house beside ours...
My friend, Bette, and her husband, Herb, took delight in getting to know each of my seven children.
They enjoyed receiving updates about what was going on in their lives...
We often exchanged recipes, shared garden produce, went to church events together,
And just enjoyed chatting together...
I remember the day so vividly, when I saw them out in the yard together and I went over to "catch up"
Herb sadly told me that Bette had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease.
Bette cautiously continued and said,
"I don't know what is ahead... but I am forgetting things."
Those words have rung in my ears often these last 7 years
As I realized that conversation was an appointed God moment...
God had intertwined my life with Bette for a specific purpose...
And one of those purposes was obvious throughout the next 7 years...
He was giving me the privilege of walking along side of my friend as she went through this trial
My role changed from not only being her friend and neighbor,
But also her caregiver and nurse.
This was God's gift to me...
Oh, it was so much more than a job, so much more than monetary provision...
It was the beautiful story and example of a husband who loved his wife so unconditionally,
Even when she couldn't give anything in return...he loved her
Patting her head, giving her kisses, reminiscing about their wedding date and married life..
It was the story of their life together that strengthened me...
It was God speaking to me through this frail lady as I took care of her,
Telling me that her life was so valuable to Him...
It was the songs that I would sing and hear her try to sing some of the words...
It was the precious pats and embraces she would give me as I cared for her when she could no longer communicate with words...
It was the assurance that the Father gave me that He was ministering to her soul and spirit as I prayed and sang over her...
It was the privilege of caring, encouraging, being able to lavish love
Upon this beautiful woman of God, this radiant bride of Christ, this loving mother,
This endearing wife, this precious friend...
I could go on and on
But as I look back, I see a brave, courageous woman of God face a horrible disease...
And I was given the privilege of walking it with her as I cared for her,
Learning so much through the process as I watched the fruit of this woman's life
On display when all natural barriers were gone...
Jesus spilled from her character and mannerisms...despite the disease...
I am an enriched person today, Bette...
Because the Lord allowed me to be in your life up to the very end...
I am grateful and I look forward with anticipation
to our reunion in heaven one day
When we will again have so many stories to share...
I
