Missing a Good Friend

It is often and at the strangest of times where I find myself missing Karlena all over again. I don’t think that her loss ever really leaves me, but it is more prominent at times I suppose.

As our Karlena is growing and changing I recognize all those times and things that I would have been sharing with her. When we had Elijah she was always asking for more pictures and updates….she loved our kids as an extension of her own family.

Next Sunday we will have Karlena’s dedication and make that promise to God to raise her up in a Godly home. I know how much Kar would have loved to be there. She was always so invested in us, so supportive of our family.

A few days ago I sent an e-mail out asking a few close friends to pray for our family. Her e-mail address came up in my list of contacts…again a reminder that I don’t have that friend to reach out to. I miss that so much. She was faithful in praying for us.

Last March I went to see her with Elijah and she called me while I was in the airport and left me a message. Every so often when I am listening to other voice mails hers comes up again. It is so good to hear her voice…to remember how she sounded.

On Sunday our church is doing a variety show fundraiser and I am singing “I Will Rise” again and sharing a message about my faith life. I have the courage to do this because I saw that courage in Karlena. Her faith held strong even in the darkest of times. Today in what seems like a difficult and troublesome time for our family I can hold onto the promise that Jesus has overcome the grave and although we will have troubles, He is always with us and someday a greater reward will be waiting for me as well.

John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart for I have overcome the world!”