“HEAVEN”
I did a double take at the text message on my phone, shocked really, by the words I was reading. My mind immediately coasted back to the day she showed me her cell phone. There wasn’t one time I’ve ever seen or talked to Donna and she wasn’t kind and uplifting; one of those energetic and pleasant people who brightens everyone’s day with her presence.
I met her at the gym a couple of years back and discovered the source of her bright personality… we have the same Father… I always wonder when I meet brothers and sisters that seem to shine a little brighter and carry themselves a little higher if they aren’t a little closer to God?
You know the ones; they face the same difficulties, but don’t let it affect their attitude or share their foul mood on those around them like a bad virus. I like to call them “the encouraging ones.” That’s a good way to describe Donna… not perfect, but forgiven and willing to share her heart on and with others.
While struggling with the loss of her mom, Donna started to lose her voice. Over the course of the last year, it got progressively worse while she was working with doctors to help diagnose the mysterious turn of events. Donna continued to work hard in her business as well as the gym, even though her voice began to fade to a whisper. Over the next year Donna lost her voice altogether, but not her smile and heart. She would eventually be diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and her only form of communication was her typing on her cell phone.
When I saw her in November, Donna still shared her genuine smile and pointed to her feeding tube that lumped out slightly from her gym clothes, but it didn’t keep her from working hard. I let Donna know I was praying for her as were a number of people she knew from the gym. She just smiled in appreciation and nodded.
When I saw Donna in December she looked well and excited to be in the gym, “How are you?” I asked. She smiled her patented smile, but the sides of her mouth didn’t reach their normal elevation… Donna’s brown eyes began to fill with tears as she studied mine for a moment. She began to type out her response on her cell phone.
Donna wiped the tears from both eyes with the back of her index finger and held out her phone, “heaven” is all it said… I fought back my own tears and nodded in understanding, “You’re in God’s hands, Donna… I’m praying for you.” She nodded kindly again in appreciation and reached out and patted me on the shoulder to show her appreciation…
That was the last time I saw or talked to Donna… My friend who’d been reaching out to Donna sent me the text, “Have sad news for you. Donna died this morning…” My eyes filled like Donna’s… I know she knew the Truth and is in an infinitely better place than we are now, but I grieve for the fallen world and the reality of life and death in it.
The choices we make while here follow us into eternity and the gift of free will comes at a price. May the ones who knew Donna remember the supernatural confidence she had while staring death in the face… a trial all of us will get to take our turn with. To my brothers and sisters… I’m tellin’ ya…
You’re gonna love Donna…
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 3:43 pm
Wow, what a woman. She ministers to me through just one story. Thanks for sharing it, Floyd. I look forward to meeting her.
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 4:01 pm
She was truly remarkable the way she approached life and death… a rare confidence to be sure. Yeah, I’m looking forward to you meeting her… Thanks, Barb.
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 5:32 pm
What a terrific tribute. It is truly special when someone touches us with their life like this. She sounds like a wonderful person.
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 5:45 pm
Thanks, Chuck. Although I didn’t know her that well, the way she carried herself facing the inevitable was truly amazing. The hand of God to be sure.
Sunday, April 21, 2013 @ 10:45 pm
Heaven is real, and although most of us don’t expect to go there for awhile, it is a realization and a sobering fact when we understand that it is perhaps sooner than we think. Donna knew her time was short, but she went about doing the things she loved best while she waited.
This week we lost two elderly members of our church. We will miss them but we rejoice that they are with Jesus.
Thank you for sharing your story at “Tell Me a Story.
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 7:55 pm
Amen, Hazel. We all get to take our turn. To see Donna face it with such confidence was truly a gift.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 1:49 am
What a great story Floyd! What an ever greater testimony!! if only all I knew had this assurance.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:00 pm
It was truly a great testimony to all of us. A spine stiffener for sure. Blessed assurance… Thanks, Bill.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 5:21 am
You did it again, Floyd. What a heartfelt story. I can tell that Donna is a beautiful soul. WE need more Donnas in the world.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:02 pm
Thanks, Dan. I sat on this one a while and it was difficult to publish. In this dimension Donna was a breath of fresh air. We definitely need more Donna’s in this world.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 6:31 am
Precious story Floyd. My brother in law died of the same disease. His opted out of any means to prolong his life yet he kept his sense of humor, incredible peace and love for his family till the very end. Like Donna, he taught all who were around him how to die. They bring the realness of heaven to this sinful world and leave hope for those left behind till our time comes. Thanks for sharing Donna story…encouraged my heart today for we have a family member in the process of dying from cancer…she told my husband I am not afraid to die. What a Savior who gives grace to live in this world and grace to leave it.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:04 pm
Wow. Thanks for sharing that too, Betty. “A Savior who gives grace to live in this world and grace to leave it.” Those are powerful and profound words, Betty. And Amen, sister. I’m praying for your family.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:18 am
This story makes me cry at how hard life can be, yet how beautiful our hope for heaven can sustain us in those times. I’m thankful Donna is set free from a trapped body, but I know those who love her still grieve hard. I’m glad you got to know her, Floyd, and could share her story in this place, this time. You’re a wonderful brother to so many in the Family.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:05 pm
Thanks, Lisa. Those are kind words. My heart grieves for all the very close friends she had and her son. It’s a tough life, but it’s not the Garden of Eden is it? No perfection in this flesh or world, but in the next…
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:39 am
Dear Floyd
Your post about Donna reminds me so much of my father when he was very ill just before he passed away. He was full of peace and radiated such a deep inner joy! Thanks for sharing your friend.
Blessings
Mia
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:07 pm
I love to hear those type of stories, Mia. What an honor and joy for you to be able to share that with your dad. Thanks for sharing your story. It is a powerful word to all of us. Thank you.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 9:37 am
Thank you so much for this today, Floyd. Beautifully said. I look forward to meeting Donna someday, and all the saints I know who have gone before us. What a wonderful testimony Donna has left behind for us, and I’m so glad you shared it, and her, with us today.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:08 pm
Thank you for that wonderful comment, Jillie. What an honor to share our lives with one another. I appreciate you heart, Jillie.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 11:54 am
Beautiful story and tribute. I very much look forward to meeting Donna one day. Puts in perspective again how we have a choice to minister with our lives whether we think we’re important or not. Thanks Floyd.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:09 pm
Great point, Jason. I’m sure Donna never thought of herself as a minister, but in the end, that’s exactly what God used her as. Wonderful perspective. Thanks, Jason.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 12:58 pm
We really do live on in the hearts, minds and words of others. Donna has left a beautifully encouraging legacy…I’m not sure mine would be so “encouraging” but as long as I have breath I have a chance to show love and encourage others, to pour into them instead of being a drain.
Just today I was reading Tozer’s, “pursuit of God” and in Chapter 5 he drives home the point that none of us are closer or father away from God than anyone else. It’s just that some people are more aware of God and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit while others just dance on the edges off all God longs to give: HIMSELF!
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:14 pm
I’m with you, TC. This is a point to gain more wisdom and heart. I love that book by Tozer and got a ton out of it. I’d say we are all called to that beautiful and encouraging legacy… Don’t sell yourself short, TC. I appreciate your heart and humility. Thanks, TC.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 6:17 pm
Floyd, surely this is one of the most poignant, precious pieces you have *ever* written! What a tribute to Donna. What a great tribute to God, in whom she put her faith and with whom she now shares her life face to face. I hope I have that kind of courage. I also want to thank you beyond words for not making this a “pat” piece, devoid of Christianese cliches. Thank you for revealing that death is painful, even when we are Christians with the sure hope of eternity. Death was never meant to be. We grieve. Surely we grieve……..yet not without hope.
Bless you, Floyd (and thanks for your personal prayers for me! I was able to go and the Jumping Tandem retreat was wonderful. As a terrific blogger, you should have been there!)
Blessings,
Lynn
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:18 pm
Thanks for the kind and enlightening words, Lynn. You do have a wisdom about you… and I know it didn’t come easy. This life is hard, but we have confidence in the One who gives life. Glad to hear your up and going, Lynn.
I didn’t know about the retreat? Hope you had a blessed time.
May we all have that courage that Donna demonstrated in life and physical death.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 6:49 pm
Floyd, thank you for honoring our friend with your words. Watcing her go through it, I remember thinking how crushingly lonely I would feel to be walled off from my own words and thus the world itself. I understand now that she was never truly alone. You describe grieving for the fallen world. Such grief is mitigated by friendships like Donna’s and your’s and our tiny circle. I know there are other such circles out there, one after another, all of them with their own person of inspiration at the center. It’s a comforting thought. Perhaps, the world is not so fallen after all.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 8:20 pm
Thanks, Keith. There is hope to be sure, my friend. I appreciate your heart more than you know… I’m telling you, it’s a heart from God. Bless you, Keith.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 9:56 pm
Thank you for linking with Tell Me a Story. Donna was a brave and awesome woman and she is rejoicing in heaven.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 6:39 am
Yes she is. And what a day of rejoicing that will be – when we all get to heaven, we’ll sing and shout the victory… Thanks, Hazel. That just popped into my mind…
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 10:21 pm
A wonderful tribute to a great woman. Thanks for sharing her story.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 6:40 am
Thanks, Ngina. That she was and will be. Although difficult, my pleasure.
Monday, April 22, 2013 @ 11:12 pm
Floyd, what a tribute! I echo the thanks for sharing.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 6:41 am
Thank you for sharing your voice. You know it’s always appreciated.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 2:08 pm
You sure know how to put a lump in a guys throat. She sounded like a special lady even when facing death. Very thought provoking post. Thanks!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
Had more than a few myself, Mike. Donna was special for sure. I’m certain of at least one lesson in this… Thanks, Mike.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 2:18 pm
Wow, teary eyed… thanks for introducing us to Donna. I look forward to meeting her in heaven someday, and was benefited by her story today too. Thanks, Floyd.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 5:11 pm
Thanks, Jennifer. Donna was a benefit for the real Truth, and as I said, your gonna love her…
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 3:08 pm
Someday I will meet Donna and thank her for the inspiration behind your post today. This is what it is all about, smiling and trusting God each day regardless of how it looks. We are conquerors in Christ. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 @ 5:12 pm
Well said. It’s not about what’s on the outside… it’s what is inside that can’t be calculated with feeble numbers. Thanks for the reminder of that Truth.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 @ 8:00 am
Your post about your friend reminded me of a friend of ours who is battling cancer for the 2nd time. She has been blogging about her journey since she was diagnosed early last fall. As I’ve read her posts I’ve been humbled by her sincere and trusting faith and her sometimes “raw” honesty about her daily struggles. Her transparency is something to aspire to. She trusts as she shares but she doesn’t complain, she communicates.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 @ 9:15 am
That’s an amazing thing to behold in this modern life. How many people will come to faith by the truth shared by the ones who face the ultimate test of this life with honesty and yet strength? It’s tough to watch and be part of, but part of it is uplifting. I too aspire to that type of transparency. Thanks for sharing, David.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 @ 9:25 am
Powerful post as always. It reminds me about the shortness of life, we are only here for a short time and will spend eternity in Heaven. It people like Donna that makes this journey here on earth a little easier.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 @ 5:58 pm
Amen, Dan. The lives of people like Donna I think He uses to bring not only direction, but wisdom as well. There is peace here despite the weak flesh. Nice call. Thanks, Dan.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 @ 3:11 pm
As always, dear Floyd, you’ve uplifted with your words and gave a beautiful tribute to a friend.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend. But, so very grateful that I will get to meet Donna one day. If she is a friend of yours, how special she must be.
Truly, I ache for her loss in this world, but I do believe in that moment – that we can “Only Imagine” about – Donna dropped to her knees and sang Hallelujah! For in this life she may have lost her voice, but for eternity she will sing worshipfully unto our God.
And when we meet, I’m gonna love Donna!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 @ 6:39 pm
“For in this life she may have lost her voice, but for eternity she will sing worshipfully unto our God.” That sentence is rich in meaning and beauty, Diane. What a wonderful description of Donna now. Thank you so much for that heart felt word from the heart of our Father. Absolutely awesome, Diane. I’m moved deeply. Glad you shared that more than you know.
Thursday, April 25, 2013 @ 3:19 pm
The choices we make while here follow us into eternity and the gift of free will comes at a price.
That is profound… and too me you painted a perfect picture of someone I look forward to raising my hands with and praising Jesus. This was beautiful Floyd!
Thursday, April 25, 2013 @ 6:16 pm
Thanks, Lisa. We will definitely be rejoicing with Donna and giving credit where credit is due… and finally be living in the perfection our Father designed from the beginning.
Friday, April 26, 2013 @ 11:34 am
So glad I found you through Duane’s link up. One of my greatest treasures in this journey with God has become meeting others on the road who share His heart and speak with the tones I recognize so clearly are from Him. Bless you brother; thanks for sharing this.
Friday, April 26, 2013 @ 2:07 pm
“One of my greatest treasures in this journey with God has become meeting others on the road who share His heart and speak with the tones I recognize so clearly are from Him.” You know, it is one of my great treasures as well. I just never thought to put in words that spell it out so eloquently. Thanks for blessing us with this and thanks for taking time to meet on the road of life. And yes, our Father in honored. Thanks, Lorretta.
Friday, April 26, 2013 @ 3:06 pm
Very inspiring my friend your stories help me in man many ways. Thank you
Friday, April 26, 2013 @ 5:44 pm
Thanks, Brad. I’m glad the words lift you up the way you do me when I get to see you… I’d say it’s about time again…
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 1:34 pm
Stopping by via Duane’s.
Lovely tribute to a beautiful friend. You were obviously blessed to have shared in her life.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 @ 2:46 pm
I was blessed and have found a bit more wisdom from Above. Tough to watch, but a real blessing to see someone handle it with such trust and dignity. Thanks for stopping by, Carol.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 8:16 am
It’s such a privilege to be able to be around those who truly shine the light of Christ even when going through difficult situations. It reminds us of what’s really important – and where our joy should come from.
Monday, April 29, 2013 @ 10:36 am
That’s a wonderful summary, Loren. That’s exactly what it does… and should for that matter. Thanks!
Friday, May 3, 2013 @ 7:56 pm
I have so many I’m looking forward to seeing in heaven… and hope the ones who are going to be left behind here when I go there, will be rejoicing b/c they’ll be with me eventually… some of whom are fb and blog friends, but never had a personal friendship, “hug” time. I rely on the Lord’s words re: eternity. Really, really do.
Saturday, May 4, 2013 @ 2:19 pm
I know you do, Joanne. Your faith and heart are contagious and our Father uses you in more ways than you know here… but not there! Good call!