On New Years Day, I mourned the loss of a special friend, a
fellow writer and confidant. She was part of my local writers group. A very fun
part as the rest of us watched her flirting spars with another member. For
years, he was the lone male of the group and Margareta loved to hackle him. I
loved Margareta’s stories. Non-fiction accounts of a time before I was born
that painted a picture of the community where I now live. I learned so much
from her, about writing and life.
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| Margareta Fleuter |
I hadn’t finished saying goodbye to Margareta when the next
tragedy struck. My cousin suffered with Crohns for years. The pain became too
much and he took his life. He lived alone in the wilderness somewhere in the
vicinity of Haines Junction, Yukon. Oh the pictures he took! Amazing photos of the
Northern Lights and the wildlife around him. He shared them on Facebook and on
his artist page. Every day, I would look at Facebook and search for Stephen’s
latest post. He filled the world with encouragement. (If you want to view more of his amazing photos, you can go to: http://stephen-dyck.pixels.com/index.html)
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| Stephen Dyck's Photo, Aurora Borealis near his home |
And before we laid Stephen to rest, another good friend went home. Doug Heid was someone I enjoyed talking to because he had a wisdom about him. He was a leader in my church and another warrior fighting the fight with the gifts God gave him.
Today, I reflect on what I lost, what the people who knew these special individuals lost, what the world lost. Both Stephen and Margareta were encouragers and artists. Doug was an elder looking after those around him. I cannot tell you how many people have mentioned how they’ll miss the contribution these three made to their lives through their stories, photos and love for the Lord.
Today, I reflect on what I lost, what the people who knew these special individuals lost, what the world lost. Both Stephen and Margareta were encouragers and artists. Doug was an elder looking after those around him. I cannot tell you how many people have mentioned how they’ll miss the contribution these three made to their lives through their stories, photos and love for the Lord.
I’m not one to make resolutions but as I mourn, I see how
important it is to use the gifts God gives us. Some days, I feel writing is a
waste of time. But when I think about Margareta, Stephen and Doug, I see how these people changed the world around them with their gifts because they used them. How
can I not follow their example?
Tammy,
ReplyDeletePraying that God will continue to comfort your heart AND inspire you as you remember these three people who were dear to you. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of using our gifts and allowing God to use us to minister to others around us.
I'm sorry to hear of the friends and family member who have passed on. In 2015, we said good-bye to my sister Joan, who was 16 months older than I. She was my mentor, sister, and very close friend. I am happy for her that her suffering with Alzheimer's and lung cancer are over. God answered our prayers by not letting her suffer any longer than necessary. Her life was a great testimony to family, friends, and co-workers. Like your friends and your cousin, Joan will be missed, but not forgotten. We will meet again, and may these dear friends of yours continue to warm your life with their love and the gifts they left behind, Tammy.
ReplyDeleteOh Sharon, it must have been hard to lose a sister to Alzheimer's. Sometimes, seeing that person go home seems like the kindest thing. My mother in-law has dementia and she's not the same person. But you have your memories. I hope you take the time to write down some of the stories. Thank you fro your kind thoughts.
DeleteI also want to express my sadness for your losses. I looked at the pictures that Stephen had done, and yes they were incredible. Therein lies such a mystery, how great beauty and sadness co-exist. Thank-you for sharing your reflections, and may you keep writing as you continue on your journey. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jocelyn. The family has such a large volume of pictures. I'm glad for that.Many more than on the artist site. Blessings on you as well.
DeleteYou have experienced some very difficult losses but I am struck with how positive your tone is despite the pain. God doesn't waste anything, does He? It is wonderful how you have encouraged all of us to use the gifts that God has given us.
ReplyDeleteDeath isn't the victor unless you let it be.
DeleteSorry to read of your losses. And yes, it is so important to share our gifts with the world, even when we 'feel' like we are not achieving what we want. God is working it out to be exactly what He needs it to be.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement.
DeleteTammy--such a powerful post and a sober reminder that we really do need to use our gifts for God's glory and let God do the rest. May you continue to be encouraged and strengthened as you remember your friends.
ReplyDelete