A Precious Friend is Gone

Anne-Marie was diagnosed with a terminal illness only months ago!  She was one of my most precious friends. Now she’s gone.

We met years ago in the waiting room of an infertility specialist, as neither of us had been able to conceive. We discovered we had much in common: both registered nurses with husbands in doctorate programs at the university.  We became fast friends, enjoyed working together at the same hospital and spending many off-days together.

During her first pregnancy she was ordered to be on bed rest.  I would often prepare lunch, including a fancy jello salad—popular in those days.  She taught me her favorite: cottage cheese on toast, topped with mayonnaise, S&P.  We’d eat together and laugh a lot.

When our husbands completed their studies we moved to cities an hour apart.  I soon attended my first Bible study and within three weeks I had surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. He came into my life and changed me inside and out. I became a different person experiencing a peace, love and joy I’d never before known.

I drove to Anne-Marie’s  to share the good news with her.  What joy when she too wanted to give her life to Jesus!  Within a few days her husband Paul also surrendered his life to Christ.  Paul then shared Christ with a chemistry professor he taught with at the university and he too became born again!  Every time we were together Paul would say, “Oh, Kathleen, how we thank you for introducing us to Jesus!”

God answered our prayers for children.  We had two, while Anne-Marie and Paul were blessed with seven!  Altogether our nine children are following Jesus with their lives, and raising up godly children themselves!

How faithful is our God.  How I praise Him,  knowing that Anne-Marie is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

• Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.     Deuteronomy 7:9

[Have you ever shared Christ with a best friend?  To leave a comment, simply click on this story’s TITLE, then scroll to the bottom.]

ONLY ONE LIFE – Lyrics by C.T. Studd, circa 1900; Music by Kathleen

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[This life is temporary. This life is short.  When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever.  Where will the “real you” live?  Will you live for all eternity separated from God?  Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven?   Learn more so you can make your most important decision:    http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/  and www.godlife.com