One Last "I Love you!"

When you know someone so well you grow to love them deeply. This is a given that is if they love you back and know just as much about you. I feel very loved and rightly so. My mom though young when she had me, loved me unconditionally and raised me the best that she knew how. I can say the same about my dad and along with each and every one of my grandparents and aunts and uncles. Being in a family like this it is easy to see and find the love that a child needs.

Then as you grow older you find friends. As your friendship grows, so does that love for one another. I feel so incredibly blessed to have soooo many people in my life that have loved me for who I am and at times I wonder why. I haven't done anything to deserve that love that they have so readily given me. Well, the reason why I write this blog is because of one of these people who loved me without good reason. Margaret Wahl has known of a cute little long brown haired girl, with big blue/green eyes since 1987. When said little girl would often hop out of the taxi that her dad drove her in after having breakfast together. Over the next twenty-five years Mrs. Wahl poured much love and prayers over this little girl who slowly but surely grew into a mature young woman.

Mrs. Wahl, after serving with her at Camp of the Woods during the summers of 1998-2000 and a couple more after that was affectionately called by her first name instead. Marg became like a grandmother to this young woman. Going out for coffees, showing up at her college graduation and always taking the time to chat and pray for her.

Marg was so steadfast in her faith, such an encourager and her love for the Lord just radiated from her. If you haven't figured it out I'm that little girl. Marg made me feel like I was her own and made the effort that families would make for their loved ones.

Marg was diagnosed with lung cancer not all that long ago, slowly but surely the cancer spread to her brain. In the early stages she was still encouraging me and sending me Scripture verses to meditate on. What a woman of God! She never seized to amaze me.

She tried to give me words to tell my dad after she was diagnosed with the lung cancer. Stating that he needs to stop if not for himself, for me and Timera and his wife. Not sure how my words sunk into my dad when I passed the words along.

Last week I was finally able to get down to see Marg again. A friend from camp came with me (well actually she took me), we brought her flowers and a coffee. I was expecting her to be better than she was. I was hit pretty hard with reality pretty quick. First with the sign on the door stating "no visitors please check with nursing staff". Then not recognizing her at first and figuring out pretty quick she won't be drinking that coffee. Though she was so near death Marg, my sweet Marg, had such a peace about her. Her eyes told the whole story - I'm going to see Jesus soon.

I asked her simple questions to which she nodded or verbally answered. She was with us for sure. She asked me for some juice and I readily gave her some. We stayed for a mere 10 minutes as she looked as though she would fall asleep on us at any time. I told her "I love you" one last time and actually was surprised to hear it back as I knew she was weak and it took a lot to speak. With a gentle hand squeeze my friend and I left the building knowing the next time we would see her rejoicing would be in Heaven.

As hard as that day seems I wouldn't trade it for the world! Marg will be missed greatly by many.

Thank you for your mentorship and unfailing love!

Note this was not written through dry eyes, mourning will come. Please pray for these families as they will miss her dearly.