Since this is my gratitude log... I guess it is okay if I choose another day of gratitude to honor Javier. Actually, it is to celebrate 42 years of friendship. It might actually be longer.
Pictured from left to right... Kim, me, Javier, Karen and Donny.
We grew up in church camp and attended different high schools. Many of us ended up at ONU for college. Instead of difficult goodbyes at the end of summer, we saw each other at meals, in class, socially, on dormitory floors, church and hanging out wherever we landed. The end of summer meant we were back together.
This photo was taken in the parking lot of Aurelio's Pizza. For many, Aurelio's Pizza is close to sacred ground. Javier was just arriving as we were leaving. This encounter is what I would call a "God Wink". God set up the appointment, because the timing was perfect. We did some quick catching up and exchanged hugs as we parted. In retrospect, how do I express the fullness of my gratitude for the "chance" encounter? There are no words.
We were talking this weekend about the handwritten letters we wrote as kids. Long distance calls were expensive. We wrote letters. Today, letter writing has been replaced by free calls and text messaging. Our letters were treasures. Karen had a letter from Javier where he had handwritten some scripture on the bottom. It was so good to see his familiar handwriting again. If Javier could write a letter from heaven, what would he say? Perhaps he would write something like this:
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." -1 John 5:13
I wish I had more pictures. I am grateful for modern technology that allows us to grieve together, even when we are apart. I am grateful that death does not end our friendship.
Love never dies or is replaced, it just lives in a different space.
Today, I am grateful for 42 years of friendship.
No comments:
Post a Comment