SHE WAS SUCH A BLESSING

Michelle was one of the first people we met when when went to Springfield, Nov 2012.  She was on the committee who issued the call for us to come to CIA (Church in the Acres).  She was a faithful servant, who loved Christ with her whole heart and served Him in many different capacities while being an active member of His Bride.  She quickly became a very good friend to us both and a wonderful sister-in-Christ to me.  She was a god send by taking care of our Maverick & Martina every time we headed south for a visit.  Her love for cats was obvious (having four of her own!) by the care and love she gave to ours.  Only a very good friend would scoop poop for you!  She was a jewel.

We shared so many great "sister" times in the 18 months we were at CIA.  She rarely ever missed a Ladies Bible Study and was at every special event the ladies participated in.  She planned and orchestrated the over-night trip for the Women Of Faith event in CT.  She was present for SS and worship every single Sunday.  And our special girl days at the Bloom Conference, the past two years, will forever be engrained in my heart.  She loved Jesus and His people and her warm, caring ways enveloped anyone who had the privilege of meeting her.

She was a wonderful wife to Mike, mother to Nick, and step-mother to Keith & Selena.  And last week after a fun few days at a mini family reunion with Mike's brothers, she developed severe chest pains.  She was transported to a local ER, then admitted with the diagnosis of a "tear in her aorta".  She was placed in ICU, put on meds to keep her B/P low to reduce pressure on the vessels.  She & Mike were told that she would not need surgery as long as the meds kept her B/P low...that the tear would heal on its own.

She called me on Thurs (3rd) from her hospital room.  They had moved her from ICU to a regular room.  She sounded strong and said she was actually bored and wanted to go "home".  As was so typical of her big heart, she was concerned about our Maverick, and was hoping he was recovering.  She was lying in a hospital bed with a torn aorta and yet concerned about our cat.  An amazing friend.

Michelle died the next day.  On the 4th of July she gained her independence from this world and was transferred to glory to forever live with our Christ King.

There are things that make no sense to me.  Why good people die so young, Kristen, Jackie and now Michelle.  It grieves my heart.  I am thankful that I have the eternal promise that I will see them all again, once I join them in heaven.  But for now, it just hurts and tears flow freely.

When we left Springfield to head back to Florida, Michelle gave me a parting gift.  It was a Willow Tree praying angel, she said she would always keep me in her prayers.  Such an amazing friend.  My angel was placed in front of my kitchen window and greeted me every morning.  But now her message of always keeping me in her prayers are so much more precious.  Thank you, my dear sister-in-Christ, for loving me so wonderfully.  Until we meet again...