I was informed today that an old friend of mine passed away.  My heart is heavy.  She was a vibrant and cheerful friend.  I had not spoken with her for several years, mostly due in part to choices that I had made in my life.  It was a friendship that I had hoped to re-kindle and prayed that it would.  I remember when I was going through some really tough relational decisions that she would hug me and tell me it was going to be okay.  When she would validate my tears of disappointment, not expecting me to feel anything different.

Today, she isn't here anymore.  Her life on earth is gone and with that is now the memories of who she was to many people.  I heard she was a faithful reader of my blog.  She didn't always agree with things I wrote, but she read my posts.  I wish that we could have been in contact so we could have talked one on one regarding what I write about.  That in the midst of our differences, she had value and was loved!  I will miss her terribly and am saddened that we did not get a chance to talk in recent years. 

May the Lord comfort those who are missing her today, may the Lord catch each and every tear, and may those who grieve be comforted!

Sweet friend, these petals are for you, for you were cherished and loved.