Today, October 12, 2008, is the one year anniversary, in time, of the passing of our dear friend, Deborah Ann Smith, to her heavenly home in eternity!
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14: 1-6)Glory be to God!
4 comments:
Today marks the occasion of the one year "anniversary" of your passing. In so many ways I cannot believe it's been a year already, but in others it feels as only moments ago that you passed from this life to the next.
Today I want you to know I sang some of your favorite praise songs, I danced, and I admired the Creator's handiwork in the mountains of Tennessee. I often think of you barefoot among the flowers...it seems as natural a setting for you as standing in front of an art easel...
I am sad for me, and for your family, and for all of us who love you still...however, I am by no means sad for you...for I know you are happy...eternally so. And painfree.
I am so grateful for the Blessed Hope of the Church...the promise that we WILL see each other again. I could not endure without that promise to cling to...
You've left quite a hole in my life...a hole which no one has come even close to filling.
Thanks Deb...for all you were and for all you did for so many...I miss you terribly...and I send up special prayers for your precious children and grand children on this day.
I love you...
Paula Clare
Pastor Deb is greatly missed. She was such an inspiration to all of us. I can still see her standing before us and Bowing to the Lord in different songs. She Showed her Love for the Lord in everything she did. What a lovely women she was.
We Love and Miss You Pastor Deb.
Deb Branch
Dearest Deb,
I have awakened the last few mornings (when I FINALLY get to sleep) with you on my heart and mind. The picture of you and Tom remains on my "altar wall." I can't look at it without my eyes misting over with tears...
I miss you so, dear sister. I have yet to find a Spiritual Director...certainly no one can/will replace you. But I just can't bring myself to "settle" for someone who will not ask me the hard questions and love on me with unconditional love and wisdom.
We sang Fields of Grace Sunday during worship, and I got choked up thinking about your "little girl way" of dancing barefoot with your Daddy. How I miss you...
It's almost two years since your passing...I simply cannot believe it's been so long. Life has gone on...as it must. But it has NOT gone on the same. You are missed. You are cherished. You are loved ... even still.
Please say hello to Jesus, Rich, Francis, and mom and dad. Meanwhile, please know, dear one, in the words of Andrew Peterson:
"I don't need her (your) love, to love her (you) all I can..." whether you are here or not, love lasts forever.
Until then, dear friend,
Paula Clare
Hi Deb,
Two years?! How can it be? It seems in many ways we have lived SO LONG without your smile. Without your presence. Without your creative worship. How I miss you!
Autumn is typically a time of renewal and warmth. The orchards are heavy with fruit of the season, the skies are shocking blue against the gold and red of the leaves...I suppose it is because this is God's most colorful season, that send my thoughts go to you more often.
Of course it's the season of Francis tide as well, and as I went through the Transitus of St. Francis just a few days ago, I remembered well YOUR transitus...how you left this life for the next. And with what grace and courage you shed the confines of this world for clothing immortal!
I couldn't be happier for you...and sadder for me. I pray for your children and for your grandchildren...as October is undoubtedly a difficult month for them.
I miss you dear friend. And long for the day we will dance together and paint together in our Daddy's House...
Always,
Paula Clare
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