Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Sweet Friends

Posted on By jennifer

There are some people that the Lord brings into your life…and the impact they make on your heart is so strong! You are not only blessed, but enriched and influenced forever. That is exactly how I feel having known my friends, Paul and Nellie.

I cannot remember exactly how long it has been since we started “hanging out” – as we called it. It began when one of them…Paul, I believe, needed a ride to a doctor appointment but a sweet friendship quickly formed.

Over the last year and half…maybe a bit more…we have run all sorts of errands – and all errands including a lunch stop either before or after our business for the day. Paul does love his McDonalds coffee and Nellie always preferred a burger – really just so she would have a bit left over to take home to Mr. Ozzie!!

This sweet couple – married over 63 years! – have faced incredible difficulties and much pain these last months. Medical challenges with several hospital stays and numerous ER visits…..very complicated family issues and heartbreaks……financial challenges…and many other trails.
And yet, they have faced them as a couple and with a faith that is inspiring. Their love for each other is beautiful. And their love for our Savior…and the way it influences everything they do…is so encouraging to me.After a summer of planning and preparing, they have finally been able to move to an assisted living home near their daughter in Pennsylvania. They left this morning. I will so miss them. I am privileged to be their friend. I pray that the transition will go smoothly and that God will give them much grace as they adjust to so many changes. I pray life will settle and calm down a bit for them and these days of life can be not only peace filled but happy. I love them both.

Nellie and Paul!!

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Comments (5)

  1. What a sweet couple and an even sweeter friendship you all had. I know you will miss them so much. I just love older people. They are so precious and have so much to share with all of us. Your post was such a wonderful tribute to both of them. Hope you have a great week. Love & blessings from NC!

  2. What a wonderful tribute to such a sweet couple. How much life they have lived and have been able to share with you is such a blessing. I too pray all goes smoothly for them with this move. It's wonderful they can be near their daughter, but I am sure they will miss you soo much too. Have a wonderful day! HUGS

  4. Oh Jen! This post brings tears to my eyes! I have such a heart for the elderly myself and just love to hug on them and help them in any way I can. This made me smile but also feel so badly for them that they've had so many trials these last months! I'm SO GLAD they had YOU in their lives to call on though. You are such a blessing to ME and we live thousands of miles away. I'm sure you will still be able to bless them even while them being in Pennsylvania. Glad you got to know them and they were a blessing in your life.

    Love you Jen!

    Erica

  5. HI JENNIFER,
    WELL, I WANT HAVE ANY TROUBLE REMEMBERING TO PRAY FOR NELLIE!! LOL
    THIS IS A VERY SWEET POST AND WONDERFUL TESTIMONY TO THIS LOVING COUPLE. WOW!! 63 YRS., HOW COOL IS THAT. I AM SURE THEY ARE REALLY GONNA MISS YOU TOO!!
    WE HAD AN ELDERLY LADY NAMED MISS RUTHIE THAT LIVED ACROSS THE STREET FROM US FOR ALMOST 20 YRS., AND SHE WAS LIKE A GRANDMOTHER TO OUR KIDS AND WE ALL ADORED HER AND LOOKED OUT FOR HER TOO, AND WHEN SHE PASSED AWAY OUR NEIGHBORHOOD HAS JUST NEVER BEEN THE SAME TO ME.
    SHE WAS ALWAYS SO ENCOURAGING AND JUST HAD SOMETHING NICE TO SAY TO EVERYONE. SO CAN UNDERSTAND A LIL OF HOW YOU MIGHT BE FEELING EVEN THO THEY ARE JUST MOVING AWAY, THEY STILL WANT BE A DAILY PART OF YOUR LIFE ANYMORE BUT THEY WILL BE A PART OF YOUR LIFE IN ETERNITY!!
    HAVE A GOOD EVENING SWEETIE,
    BLESSINGS, NELLIE

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