There are some people who are seemingly very far removed from your life, yet manage to have a big impact on you. In the last year and (almost) a half, I have encountered one such lady. Now, this is one bizarre connection in the world of degrees of separation. But, rarely have I met a woman of such grace, faith, warmth, and openneess as the mother of one of my boyfriend's ex-girlfriends. In fact, my boyfriend loves this woman (Mrs. D) so much that he has stayed in touch with her since he broke up with her daughter years ago. I now fully understand why.
This past Monday, Mrs. D's husband passed away as a result of ALS/Lou Gehrig's Disease. For the entire 2 years he battled the disease, this woman took care of him, her faith in God's strength to carry them through it never wavering. Two days before Christmas, my boyfriend and I stopped by to see them, and honestly, I was nervous, because this was an ex's parents (whom I'd met only once before), and we were going to their house. Awkward. But from the moment we stepped through the door, she was nothing but gracious, inviting, and warm. How many women would so graciously welcome their daughter's ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend into her house while her husband was, essentially, on his last few days on earth? I was floored.
Today, we went to her husband's memorial service. While sharing about their life together, this woman of God said something that had me nearly sobbing, though I hardly know this family at all. She said, "It was a privilege to fulfill my wedding vows so completely."
The "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health" parts became real in their lives, and she lived them out with honor and grace. I have spent probably a grand total of 2-3 hours in this woman's presence ever in my life, but it only takes a couple of minutes for her strength and warmth to become contagious to those around her. She and her family are much beloved, because she (and they) loves. Selflessly. I consider it an honor to know this woman even a little bit. It was definitely a "wow" kind of day.
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