Missing you friend....

As I write this it is Halloween eve. The kiddos are all in bed, happy from their trick-or-treating....but my head and my heart have been remembering Karlena today.

The 1st of November marks 2 years since she went to be with Jesus. Some days I can't believe it has been that long already.  I was going through some of my old voice mails this afternoon and came across one she left for me. Oh how I miss her sweet voice.

A few weekends ago I went to Women of Faith with some new and old friends. It was such a great weekend and I know that Karlena would have loved it. In the last several years of her life that was "the" thing that we both looked forward to doing together.  I am grateful that God has put some beautiful women in my life to share that experience with now...but I sure miss Karlena's presence with me.

I always admired Karlena's strong faith. In spite of all she faced every day, the struggles and frustrations she must have felt, she remained firm in God's goodness, in His love for her and His plan for her life. She always had something encouraging to say, with a smile in her voice. She didn't question God, she just held fast that He had a plan.

When she got really sick in June, we all thought that we were going to lose her, but she pulled through and said that God must have had more that He wanted her to do.  Her faith was contagious. At her funeral services people shared about how their faith had grown because of her.  God did have a plan for her....and she fulfilled that plan in her 35 years.

I selfishly wish that it had been more. I miss planning a long weekend trip to CO. I miss reading her e-mails and asking her to pray for me. I miss seeing her, hands raised, singing her heart out to the God that she loved so much.

Karlena remains an ever presence in my life. Although she has been gone for 2 years now....I think about her every day. I see her pictures on my desks at home and work and I am so grateful for every moment we had together.

And I want to see her legacy of faith to live on....so I celebrate her here on the anniversary of her heavenly birthday. I miss you friend. I would love to have another weekend together to just share life....but since we can't have that I hold fast to the promise that this is not the end....

Until I see you again....save a place for me. I love you friend.