A Letter from Debra

Seasons in our life change and the way we view things sometimes change but one thing NEVER changes....and that's the way we love our family.  Marilyn and I have been by each other's side through thick and thin.  We toured Europe for three weeks, sewed clothes all night long for our kids to have matching Easter clothes, celebrated many Christmas days together; Laughed and cried through the good bad and ugly and yes....sometimes...although VERY rarely, even disagreed.  But down through the years I believe our relationship is just as deeply rooted as it ever was.  She is truly one of the best friends I've EVER had.  We're so much alike that's it's sometimes scary.

You know, there's an old, wise saying that says...."What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger".  That's how I feel about the love that I have for Marilyn.  She's been there and will NEVER love you only half way.  It's all or nothing with her. 

She's walking through a journey right now that I don't understand.  She's always been the strong one that I could lean on for problems.  However, while she was visiting my house for those four days last week...I saw a vulnerable side of her that I've never seen.  Very soft and just going with the currents.  The storm looks like it's raging but you can tell by looking at her...she's not bending or losing strength.  If anything....she's gaining a NEW strength.

The best part of her visit was when we were driving back from Columbia.  It was just the two of us on those dark, country roads, sharing and reveling in the awesomeness of God we had experienced that night.  We had no clue how to get home but we managed just fine. :)  When we got home I fixed us a bowl of Trix cereal and we piled up in the bed and watched HGTV...(our FAVORITE channel).  Afterwards, when she started to dose off...I thought she was asleep and my face was facing hers on the same pillow and with her eyes closed and in a very quiet voice she said "I sure do love you Debra".  I told her I loved her too and that when we got through this storm and made it safely to the other side that we would look back and know that God carried her.  Then she replied...."I will Debra.  There's only TWO things that I'm sure of right now and that is that I'm breathing and bald".  I told her "Praise God for the 1st thing because there's hope the 2nd will change also".

I Love you to absolute pieces Francis!  You're gonna make it....and WHEN YOU DO.....we're gonna do more for God than we ever did!  AND...we're gonna go on a nice little vacation....just the two of us.  Remember...we promised to grow old in our rockers together.  I'm holding you to that.

Love always,
Deb
AKA..."Do-Head"