A great example of how Anne gives hope to others, from those dear to her heart to ones she barely knows. It makes a difference, seeing her riding shotgun in my sleek Jag green Concorde, nip into church under her own steam, manage the hymnal & everything. At 93+, she can still go from standing to kneeling to standing without assistance!
It's not unusual for someone to take me aside out in the Choir Hall to say they could barely keep from laughing, seeing how fiercely independent Anne is throughout the service, not allowing me to lend a hand as she unfolds from a full kneel & brushes me aside if I attempt to swap hymnals so she doesn't have to fumble to the next page. Thank you very much - she will do it on her own!!
Looking around church today, I didn't spot one of Anne's classmates, not a single schoolmate. Her baby sister & husband are down in warmer climes for the winter. I didn't see a family member of her era. But there she was, at the gathering after service, enjoying being in the moment, her radiant smile proclaiming joy at being where she was, doing exactly what she was.
How many times have I heard her say after church, "No one knows me." Dear friend, you have no idea how many know you. How many nieces & nephews, greats & perhaps even great-greats are fully aware of who you are, of how you live & the promise you hold out that all might have the same joy of life tipping our way toward one hundred. She hasn't a clue of how countless pleasant acquaintances & total strangers, seeing her each week, are uplifted simply by how she is.
Anne doesn't think she makes much difference with her life. As I write this, am remembering the faces, the auras of so many people who look at her in wonder. And I know she touches more than she will ever know. She lives her life as she lives it, and we all are blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment