Good Bye Dear Friend

Yesterday a very good friend of mine took the Lord's hand and left this earth to go home with Him.  I know that for her this is a blessing but for the rest of us, it breaks our collective hearts.

I've know Dene Ann for many years.  She was a mother, a grandmother, a former teacher. To say she was outspoken, maybe a tad opinionated would be to put it mildly.  She was also loving and caring and she loved her Lord and was a faithful servant and prayer warrior.  More than all that, she was my friend.  More than anyone else I know, Dene Ann made me feel loved.

We worshipped at different services yet we worshipped together.  She was always there to lend a hand when I was working in the church office (whether I wanted a hand or not,) we shared many common interests.  After I relocated up the mountain, we retained our friendship.  If anything, it became closer.  She was able to come up here a few times.  Once with a group passing through and just a couple of years ago a friend brought her up for the day.  Last year friends brought her up and we went to ECCO, the retreat center, and to Bass Lake for lunch; places that brought her happy memories.  These were good days - for all of us.

 Dene Ann, me, Judy

Dene Ann, Pat, Gene, Jeanine, me

I made it into town for a couple of lunches and her special occasions; her birthday and then her going away party when her children decided it was time for her to pack up and go to Idaho to live where it would be easier for them.  While she was here and after she moved, we talked on the phone once or twice a week;  even more often during "Dancing With the Stars" seasons.  She was a big DWTS fan and we were her groupies.  We all watched, groused, cheered each show, contestant, judge, with Dene Ann in the lead.  I'll miss her regular calls, and DWTS isn't going to be the same this year.

When I miss her the most, I'll wrap myself in the afghan she made for me.  It's always been special but now even more so.  Since we can't go to Idaho for her service, a group of us will send condolences and flowers and will gather together in the city to celebrate and remember her.  She left a big hole when she moved away but we filled it in with phone calls and cards.  Now, we're simply going to miss her!  We'll never stop loving her.  Peace be with you, Dene Ann, you've earned it.  I love you, I'll miss you, I'll see you again!