She Will Never Forget (OFF #3)

She lay in the bed and gave in to the heaviness of her eyelids.  Immediately her mind was flooded with memories of the blessings in her life.  She allowed the reflection to draw her in and rested in another time.

She will never forget the first time she met him.

She was in elementary school, and the year before, her class had prayed weekly for his family as they worked on the mission field in Africa.  She hadn't felt any special draw to any of the four boys in the family, and sometimes envied their pictures and letters they would send of their adventures there.

When he walked into class that first day, she froze.  One of those four missionary boys was standing right here in her classroom.  He walked over and sat at a desk in her classroom.  His desk was right beside her desk in her classroom.

Her eleven year old heart skipped its very first beat.

She was shy and quiet, and soon found out that despite being the popular missionary boy, he was just as shy.  The quietness became a bond as she helped him adjust to school in the states.

She will never forget his smile: genuine and soft.  He had a heart that mirrored his smile.  She could see his concern for others and his gentleness with words.

Junior high came and went, and even through those awkward stages and embarrassing moments, they remained the closest of friends.

During their freshman year of high school, he asked her father for permission to date her.  It was the beginning of a true heart relationship that continued to grow as they did.

They decided on the same college, though far from home, and he began his major of missionary aviation as she worked towards her nursing degree.  They had plans to marry and then join the work in Africa his parents had started.

Graduation day came, and soon after, their wedding.  A glorious day of two quiet hearts becoming one and having the goal of serving their Savior on the mission field.

While gaining support, they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their tiny family.  It was a joyous surprise and a moment never forgotten.  She remembered the first time she saw her precious baby, and her heart had skipped again.

As a wife and mommy, she traveled with her husband, gaining support and praying for God's direction to be clear in their lives.  Three years later, while close to their final proposals, they welcomed another beautiful baby girl into their family.

Suddenly, her memories began twisting and started fading away.

"Wait!" she cried, but they soon disappeared.

Then she understood.  It was the birth of her second daughter that prompted the doctors to test her.  The tests were positive: she had cancer.  Her memories of blessings had been swallowed by the pain and heartbreak the next two years had involved.

She quieted her heart and opened her eyes.

She will never forget the first time she saw Him.

There, standing before her, with arms open wide, was her Savior, welcoming her home.  No more pain, no more heartache, no more tears.  She was safe with the One Who had loved her through it all.


***this is written in memory of my sweet friend, Jennifer, who lost her battle with cancer this morning at the age of 35.  she leaves behind her husband, and two little girls, but we know she has spent today with her Savior. she will be greatly missed.***