Saturday 25 August 2012

A Tribute to a Dear Friend

Can you believe I've managed to sneak a third post in this week! Maybe I've started something that won't end? Actually, I've really needed my creative therapy this week and maybe that's why I've been so productive! It's been a very reflective week for me, my friends, and I'd like to share a little bit with you about why.
There was a friend on facebook that I hadn't seen a new status from for a while, so I headed to her wall to check up on her. I was shocked and heartbroken to learn that she had passed away. Now, as you know, I don't usually share bad news on my blog. I like to be positive and encouraging. So please bear with me, and I'll get to that part as I tell you about my friend! (Who I will call Jane, although that's not her real name.)
I met Jane many years ago when she visited our Church Youth Group. Jane enjoyed it very much and continued to come for many years. Jane had a difficult life with many struggles. She was born with a disease that made her different than others. People were cruel...some people were very cruel! Jane's family sent her off to a boarding school. Jane made the best of the situation. Then Jane met the Lord, and what people thought of her just didn't matter. She lived her life to glorify God! When others were cruel, Jane was always kind in return! Jane was thankful and generous for everything! I went off to college and then got married and left the province. Jane and I lost touch. A few years ago, through the wonders of facebook, we were able to reconnect. Jane had built a wonderful life for herself! She had a great career, and a fabulous community of friends. She had become the kindest and most compassionate, giving woman I have ever known! Jane was a shining example of the love of Jesus! 
My goodness...it's really taken me FOREVER to write just that paragraph! lol Just as it took several days for me to finish this page that I made in memory of my friend. I kept having to leave it and come back to it. I took the photo without Jane's picture or name and dates on it. I've got the little envelope to include my journaling, Jane was "one of a kind", and she loved music! The picture...that you can't see lol...is one that was taken outside at Bible Camp, and is just perfect for this layout! :o)


Papers: K & Co - Julianne;
Cardstock - Recollections;
MM Slice Design Card: Grandma's Attic;
Flowers: Prima Fancies;
Ink: Stampin' Up - Soft Suede;
Sizzix Dies: Envelope w/ Ornate flap,
Sheet Music Decorative Strip,
Tim Holtz Tag & Bookplates;
Bling: Piece by Piece

* * *


I will miss my dear friend. I thank God that I knew her. 
She taught me much and I will always think of her when I read the following verse:

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share this with you. 
It was important to me and I appreciate it!
Nancy :o)






13 comments:

Jennifer said...

Thank you so much Nancy for opening up your heart about your friend! God is so good when he brings those individuals into our lives to point us to Christ and such an example to us they are!
Beautiful page! I love the floral paper and the music staff!
I look forward to meeting her in Heaven some day!

Marilyn said...

This is a lovely tribute to your friend Nancy and I'm sure she's already seen it.
Although her initial life struggles may seem sad to some, it shaped her into the person everyone knew and will now miss.
This is a very pretty page, soft and gentle looking. Love the die cut lettering and the music score.

Kreatives von Andrea said...

My dear friend Nancy!

Your story has really touched me and I'm sitting here and I have goose bumps. I think it is good and right that you tell us the story and write it here down. Because I think that's a very nice gesture for your friend. You make so sure her a delight.

Also, I find your site wonderful, she says a lot. So you've also had the chance to process your grief a little and were in thoughts with your friend.

Dear Nancy, I take you in my arms and send you love very cuddly greetings, your Andrea

PS: Sorry for my bad english, i hope you understand it.I hope I have translated my words into English properly. Unfortunately, I lack the right words in english to express what I want to say. Sorry or that

Melanie said...

Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Your page is beautiful, as are your thoughts about her.

Embellishments said...

Hi Nancy... I could imagine how hard it was to write that beautiful paragraph about your friend. I like to believe that the struggles we were faced with turned us into the person we are today and it sounds like she had chosen to turn the negative into positive with the help of God. She sound like an amazing person and one we all can learn from. She is now with her Lord and is at rest! I'm sorry for your lost and how you never got to really say goodbye. She's looking at that beautiful tribute and loving it :-)
Take care my friend :-)
~Steff~

Jan Marie said...

Oh Nancy, may the Lord bring comfort to your grieving heart with the sweetness of His promises. You will see your friend again and this time, it will be without any of the corruption of this current fallen world! Hugs and prayers. . .very sweet and touching tribute. Lord bless!

Geri said...

Oh, Nancy...so sorry to hear about your friend! I'm not a facebook fan, myself, but this sure is an example of the good that comes of it! Sounds like her story will live on and on! So refreshing to hear examples of lives that are lifted up out of cruelty and hatefulness to be shining examples of God's mercy, grace and goodness! So glad you shared 'Jane's' story!

Geri said...

I was so touched by the story...I forgot to tell you how lovely the page is, Nancy! It IS a BEAUTIFUL tribute...forgive me!

Jonia said...

My goodness Nancy, I had tears in my eyes. This is such a sweet gesture on your part and I know that if your friend was here to see it, she would love it. God puts people in our lives to show us how to follow His example and that was your friend, Jane! Blessings to you dear friend. By the way, I just love the page!

Cindy Haffner said...

BEAUTIFUL!!~

Tracy said...

This is such a beautiful story Nancy. Isn't it a shame that people can't base their opinions on what's on the inside instead of the outside of a person. How many times does the Bible speak of God looking upon the heart of someone. That seems to be a lesson we've forgotten. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, but I sure am happy that she could count you as one of hers during her lifetime. She was blessed. :-) Hugs!

TLady said...

Nancy!
I am SO SORRY to hear about your friends passing! Isn't that the way it goes---when people are SO CRUEL, those people that love God, TRIUMPH!!!!!!!!!! Not just in Gods' eyes, or their friends eyes, but if those that had been so cruel could see....they would even triumph in their oppressors eyes!God is SO GOOD to Bless those that are chosen by Him! I'm SURE your friend is singing Gods' Praises in Heaven! :)

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Nancy but she sounds a beautiful lady and you have created a layout to suit, it is a touching memorial for your friend.
Hugs
Lynn xx

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