Goodbye my dear friend

My dear friend Anne passed away this past weekend. She was an amazing women. We met when her husband was in dental school and my husband was in law school. We were neighbors in Little Italy(cleveland) and attended the same church. She is married to a wonderful man and they have 3 little girls all the same age as mine. She died after a long hard fight with Melanoma. Through her battle with cancer she blogged. Whenever you have a moment click here and view her blog. I hope you will feel of her sweet and strong spirit. After all she went through she was never bitter and stayed true to her testimony. Not long ago she e-mailed me . It was such a touching uplifting message that meant the world to me. You see even though she knew she was in her final weeks of life she wanted to help me and comfort ME during my trial of Eric being unemployed.


This amazing person taught me so much. She was my visiting teaching companion in a ward with with many needs. She taught me how to serve without be asked or told. She seemed to know what our sisters needed. I know it was b/c she prayed and followed her promptings given. I could share so many stories about Anne .

One sister we were assigned to was struggling financially, spiritually and she was in an abusive marriage. One day Anne called and said "Shelly take the food out of your cupboards and lets visit so and sos. She needs it." I was kinda shy about it. My husband was in grad school and we really didn't have much. I wasn't sure about just showing up to someones house in the inner city with bags of food. What would they say? What if they weren't home. But I did it . We went to visit her and she was so happy and thankful. B/c of Anne we were instruments in Gods hands. This sister we helped new that God does hear and answer her prayers.


This is just a small example of how she has molded me to become a better wife, mother and sister in the gospel. I love you Anne. I know that you are in a better place free from pain. Thank you for your amazing example, wonder gifts and talents that you have shared with us. I know we will meet again and have lots to catch up on! Tomorrow my dear friend will be laid to rest. Although I am sad, I am also grateful that Heavenly Father has allowed me to be friends with such an amazing woman. I feel so privileged to have felt her influence in my life.
I can't imagine how hard this trial has been for her sweet and amazing husband and adorable sweet children. But I do know that our Savior will be there to hold them up and comfort them during all the hard days to come. This family may be separated for a short time but will be reunited again forever.