Best Known as Suzanne...but...

Today, Thursday August 2^nd was a demanding day of catch up, with a backlog still awaiting attention tomorrow.  In the midst of the “urgent”, I looked forward to dinner with my very sweet and uniquely special friend, Suzanne.   

Dinner was in honor of her 78^th birthday (due to her active social life, we are still celebrating a week later!)  Few people make me laugh as much.  Fewer still have prayed with and for me more than her.  Suzanne has been a consistent source of laughter, and mischief for about fifteen years.  Simultaneously, a wellspring of Godly wisdom, artfully designed -handwritten notes and scriptural encouragement appropriately timed for every imaginable situation.  She is also a walking billboard for the long sought after "fountain of youth".... because of her, I know that faith and laughter will keep you looking younger than any product you can purchase!

She has long referred to me as her “granddaughter” and I long ago adopted her as a third grandma.   She watched my children grow up and they and my husband all adore her!  We are blessed to include her in our family celebrations – with our favorite being Christmas morning.  (She often comes over in her PJs for brunch, family time and a marathon Monopoly session!)

She’s not just a “friend”…but an integral part of life and a blessing on each of us.  As we talked tonight, I was reminded of the providential hand of God.  In this season of life – I have limited contact with members of my original family.  When Suzanne and I met – she had just lost her much loved husband and her Mom, within a week’s time.  Both lived with her, so Suzanne’s home went from population 3 to 1 within just a few days.  Soon afterward, she settled in to a position at FBC.  A bit later, I joined the staff as a part timer.  From the first week there, she took me under her wing.  There’s no doubt, God knew we needed each other. 

No, I don’t bring the wisdom and vast life experience to the relationship that she does - but I can clean out her refrigerator and and spice cabinet in no time flat!  (No one should have expired mustard in their fridge – EVER.)  So, that’s a little gift to her… I help her out when she’s incapacitated which isn’t often.   I make her laugh sometimes – as often as I can.  But I hug her every time I see her and will always love her dearly....

How blessed I am to have this marvelous woman in my life!  Thank you God, for “Gram”.  She has brought much joy and wisdom and I’m forever grateful you caused our paths to intersect!  (Happy Birthday "G"!)