I am really conscious at the moment, that I am truly blessed to be a member of a church congregation. I’ve started thinking seriously about training to be a vicar, and I couldn’t even contemplate this, if I didn’t belong to such a fantastic church family.
Tomorrow is a big day in our church community, as we say goodbye to Vicky Gardner who was a member of the congregation for over 20 years. She died last week after battling cancer for the last 3-4 years, and is sadly missed by everyone who knew her. She had a presence which was really cheerful and calming, and as an ex childminder had a down to earth approach to children, which I always found really helpful and reassuring. She was one of the “prayer monsters” in our church family, and prayed with me when I was crying, and talked to me when she was crying too, and was an excellent listener, a really good laugh and encouraged me in my faith.
I don’t understand why all the prayers that could ever have been prayed haven’t saved her from that “B***D” cancer, but I know she was a reluctant inspiration to everyone around her, and if anyone is in heaven, then she is. I keep thinking, what would Vicky say to me, if I was umming and ahhhing about something in my life. And it’s always, what the hell Beck, give it a go!
How gutted would you be to miss out on seeing your kids grow up into adults, and have to leave your husband behind. There is only one life that we have, and I know Vick will continue to be right behind us all as we try and do God’s work.
So my prayers are with her family, and I keep thinking about all her close friends, and colleagues. I wish I’d been to visit her when she was poorly and not been embarrassed to call in, but if she is listening I am talking to her now. Vick we miss you, we love you and life won’t be the same without you, but we won’t forget you and the world is a different place because of you.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
inspiredinyork 