Monday, November 10, 2008

Today, I am thankful for...

...so much. At the same time, I am so sad. I got a call early this morning that a very good friend of mine went to sleep last night like any other night, but she did not wake up this morning. I was (and still think I am) in shock. It is late night now and I have been crying off and on all day. I did not know what in the world I could be thankful for after receiving this news.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. "~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

When I started this challenge at the 1st of the month, I knew it would not be easy. Things are kind of tough all around for a lot of people. The last thing I expected was to get news of a friend passing away. She was not a lot older than me. She seemed to be healthy and without complaint. Her family has already been through so much. She had a son that was hit by a car and killed over 10 years ago. She kept going. She and her husband had some hard times and were separated. She kept going. During this time, less than a year ago - he passed away. She kept going. She was always the one that was there for everyone else. Such an encouragement to others. A hard worker. Served in her church. Taught at the school. Volunteered countless hours everywhere. I named my second daughter after her daughter who was a student of mine. I just can't wrap my head around it. I had to stop and just pray. I had to "gather" myself and realize that there are just some things in this world that we will never understand. I truly believe that God has a reason and timing for all things. I have to trust Him.


This is what faith is all about. Faith is believing in something you can not see.


So today, I am thankful. Thankful to have known and been influenced by such an amazing woman. She was an incredible mother and teacher. She was such a motivator! I am thankful for my family and the way they gathered around and wanted to comfort me.


I am thankful for my friend Michelle that came over today and just sat and talked with me. She let me cry, we laughed and we were just together.


I am thankful that I knew you, Sally Ramirez, and I will never, ever forget you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sally and her only grandchild taken just this summer.

17 comments:

Brynn said...

Oh Sherry, I'm so sorry! Big ((((HUGS)))) for you! Prayers going up for you & also Sally's family. Now it's your turn to follow in her footsteps & "keep going". Hugs & prayers!

~~Carrie Ann said...

Oh, Sherry...so sorry. How terribly sad. Prayers for her family to deal with the shock and prayers for you to find a way to make it through your grief too...

love you!

Lee said...

Oh Sherry, what devastating news. Sending virtual hugs. You're right, you can't change it, so be thankful for the time you knew her. Love your attitude and ability to see the good even in the most terrible situations.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for you loss. Just know it was in God's plan. . .

shirley said...

Oh Sherry, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Praying for you and your friend's family.
And thank you for your beautiful post and for reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can still be grateful.

CloverGirl said...

I'm very sorry for your loss and saddened to hear that her kids have lost both their parents. Prayers for all her family and friends during this difficult time. (((((Hugs)))))

Anonymous said...

Such a sad day....Sally truly was a giving and sweet person. This family has been through so much over the past years; God continued to give them strength through each difficult time. I knew the family well, went to school with the kids, was friends with Joshua - their son who was hit by a car over 10 yrs ago - that particular time was so hard for many of the family and friends. Even though we dont understand why she was taken, I know how happy she must be to see Nick and Joshua again!! What a sweet reunion that must have been!! Huge and love to all of her friends and family - what a wonderful life lesson this teaches us - "Live each day as if it were your last, don't hold grudges, and love as Christ loved" - You will be missed Sally - until we meet again!!

Sue said...

Sherry, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that she is with the Lord. Prayers for her family at this devastating and shocking time. Please let them know that.

Savannah said...

oh my. I can't believe all the other things she and her family have had to endure and now this. I'm glad you knew her too, Sher. Once in while you have somebody in your life that inspires you like that...not very often. I'm sorry that you were sad all day and probably still will be for a while. I'm crying with you.

Anonymous said...

Im am very sorry to hear of this loss and I am praying that Sally's family and freinds like you may find the comfort you are looking for in the Lord. But remember she is in a better place and one day you will meet again so its not a good bye its just I'll see you later. Lots of huggs and kisses let me know if you need anything I am always here for you.

Vivian said...

Hugs to you Sherry! I'm here if you need me, just let me know.

Unknown said...

Oh Mrs. M. I'm so sad too. I too cried off and on all day yesterday. She was such a sweet, giving and loving person. And I too am truly thankful for her and her ministry to us. God is good--all the time....

Menjiness said...

Sherry, my heart hurts for you and her family. I am here if you need me. Love ya.

Char said...

Oh dear Sherry, I am so sorry. So sad. I truly admire your strength and finding the good in this, being thankful even at a time that is so devastating. You are in my prayers as is the family of your friend. Lots of love and hugs sent your way.

Martha said...

Sherry...as I've been reading your blog lately, I have been impressed with your strength, your faith in God and your ability to put your feelings into words.

This tribute that you have just written reflects not only on the wonderful qualities your friend had, but what a gift of grace you possess.

May the Lord comfort you and your family as you set off on this new path of grieving for the loss of someone so very special and dear to you! Virtual hugs and prayers coming to you from me!

Leaon Mary said...

I'm so sorry.
My heart and prayers are with you.
Lea

Traci said...

I'm so sorry! Please know that I'm holding you up in prayer, as well as her family. It sounds like she was an amazing person and I'm so glad that you were able to know her.