Before I started writing my blogs I drafted a list of topics I would eventually write about. My dearest friend, Vera, was on my list. We had a truly special friendship for over thirty years. Not one argument, cross word, or criticism. We were both kind to one another, and there when needed. We valued each other and knew that God brought us together.
Every month for three years I scanned my list for inspiration. Sometimes I wrote about an answer to prayer or a “divine appointment.” And sometimes I wrote about an approaching holiday, an inspirational movie or book. For some reason, I kept bypassing the topic of my friendship with Vera.
Last month I decided it was time. Now 101 years old, I knew her clock was ticking. Not that she was on her deathbed, but I wanted to read her my blog.
I penned and posted “I’ll See you in Heaven.” Four days later I went to visit her in her health care room at the retirement community, as I did on a regular basis. When I arrived, she was sitting in her chair as usual.
“Hi Vera,” I announced after I tapped on the open door. I pushed the pink stroller inside that carried my little shih tzu, Prissy, who always brightened Vera’s day.
“I have a new blog to read to you today,” I announced. It’s called, “I’ll See You in Heaven.”
“That sounds nice,” she grinned.
Vera enjoyed me reading to her since she developed macular degeneration. Sometimes she would ask, “Have you written any blogs lately?” I couldn’t wait to read her my latest.
It described our meeting in our previous neighborhood thirty-three years earlier, our friendship, and how I knew she would be leaving for Heaven someday, and eventually I would too. When I finished reading the blog, she smiled, grabbed my hand, and said, “thank you for being such a good friend.” And then she said a prayer for me, and I said one for her.
Afterwards, I talked about Heaven. I told her about a documentary, “After Death,” recently released in the theaters. In it, multiple people described what’s referred to as Near Death Experiences (NDEs). Some described seeing a bright light, meeting Jesus, and feeling overwhelming love emanating from him. Some even described seeing the gates of Heaven. In each case they were told they had to go back, though none wanted to leave. Moments later they woke up in their earthly bodies.
After I described these stories, Vera replied, “It sounds wonderful.”
Ten days later I received a text from her daughter telling me Vera went to Heaven.
Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”
I believe God guided the timing of Vera’s blog, and our conversation that day. This Thanksgiving I’m thankful I had the opportunity to read it to her. Though I’m saddened at her departure, I’m also thankful for the special friendship we shared. Now that’s a real gift.
Mary Therese Hutchinson 