I think this will be the hardest post of my life. I've never felt sorrow like this before. My friend Donna finished the race of life today, and is dancing with Jesus right now. Many of you have been asking how I knew Donna, and so I thought I would tell you about her. I first met Donna when I was 12 at Oakland Christian. She was Miss O'Neal to me then, and I LOVED her. She was my favorite elementary teacher, aside from Mrs. Abel. I loved her too! :) We connected the last 5 years or so, and created some wonderful memories I'll never forget.
-I'll never forget the thrill that my teacher was coming over to my house for a class party. I was so excited to have her over. Who gets to have their teacher over to their house with the entire class? I remember swimming, and jumping on the trampoline, and having a wonderful time.
-I remember international day in her class, when Liz, Kristy, and I were China and I brought in my dad's egg rolls. Donna loved them, but then again...who doesn't?
-Attending her wedding. I'll never forget when she came upstairs to the junior high, and flashed that ring to us all. We were so excited for her, and loved that she invited us to her wedding.
-Scott's softball games in the summer, and going for ice cream afterwards. We stopped at Frosty Boy once, and I remember Donna and I watching Rach, Em, and Scott race back and forth, seeing who could come out in front. Emily got so mad that Scott and Rach would keep winning. And Donna and I both got chocolate and peanut butter as our toppings...yummy!
-I remember going to Relay for life in Clarkston every summer. I think that is where I first got re-aquainted with Donna. I'd go every year, and we would hook up and walk the "honorarium lap" with all the luminaries and silence. It was breath-taking, and very humbling to see Donna's name as a survivor along that path.
-We went to the Detroit Zoo one summer with the kids I nannied for, and had a blast!
-She could HUG like no other. I would give anything for one right now.
-She only lived a mile behind me, so I would often drop by, tending to only stay a few minutes, and it would turn into hours. I cherished and treasured these times.
-She loved homeschooling her girls, and we would talk about what cirriculum she was going through, and such. I loved her passion for teaching - her girls especially!
-We loved showing each other pics from overseas adventures, and she loved hearing about my missions trips, and shared in my excitement. We loved talking about Africa, Germany, Australia/New Zealand, and Spain...the places I have been, and she had been. She told me how proud she was of me, and encouraged me in SO many ways, especially while I was at Moody.
I'll never forget these memories. There are certainly more, but I can't think of anymore for tonight.
I'll also miss the things we talked about doing, including going to the Toledo Zoo, Narnia night at her house, and scrapbooking.
Her blog was a testimony to the Power of the Lord in her life. I'd encourage you to go back and look at the race she ran with endurance. This was her 3rd bout with cancer, and she lived life as a fighter, always giving glory where it was due....to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Check out her blog. www.sdreharvey.blogspot.com, or click on Living for the Line____ on the side of my blog.
On the way home last night from work, God laid an urgency on my heart for Donna. So I prayed. And I prayed the entire way home for her and her family. For complete healing. And she got it, just not in a way that I wanted to see....that is my selfish side, because there is no comparison to what she is experiencing now. I had a peace that only came from the Lord this morning when I found out. Oh, and if I could only be where she is now, I'd go in a heartbeat. We all would. She desired to be a light to all, and she did it valliantly!
The grief is real, and my heart is heavy. Heavy because I wasn't able to see her the last 2 months because of how much I was sick. I couldn't chance it with her. Heavy because her little girls are without a mom, and her husband is without a wife. Heavy because she is gone.
These lyrics brought me much needed comfort years ago, and I think of them today. It's from a song by Point of Grace entitled, "Yes I Believe."
When I said that I would follow
It was with an honest heart
But I didn't fully understand the cost
'Cause there are saints throughout the ages
And there are those today
Who show us what it really means to carry the cross
That only fuels my devotion
No matter what comes I will say
Yes, I believe
I believe with all that is in me
Yes, I believe
Though the world rises up against me
I will be faithful
To the choice I have made
I am determined
I will not be ashamed
To live so the whole world can see
That yes, I believe
There will never be a reason
To lose this confidence
For I have found where my assurance lies
It is not in my own power
But in who my savior is
And the truth of this conviction
Makes me shout to the sky
Yes, I believe he is risen
Yes, I believe we are forgiven
Yes, I believe and one day we'll see him
And together we'll say
Donna, you are seeing HIM today. Thank you for believing! Thank you for the legacy you lived and the impact you had on my life and so many others. Your friendship was such a blessing to me. Well done, good and faithful servant! I'll see you again!
I love you,
Jess
II Timothy 4:6-8
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight: I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
