New life

I find it somewhat ironic, or better-worded, "meaningful" that I learned this morning of the sudden death of a girlfriend of mine from my days in Sparta. Renee passed last night,  the first day of spring 2014.  I admit I am still in shock over it because her illness was very sudden and not many people were  aware of her being sick.

We both moved away from Sparta about the same time - she just before me.  We had spend time together in the "Sparta Friends & Neighbors Club" and enjoyed meetings and outings together.  We were neighbors just "down the road" from each other.  After we both moved we lost touch for awhile; she went to Arkansas and I moved to South Carolina.

Thanks to Facebook we reconnected and we enjoyed sending posts about our families, sharing stories, jokes, and pictures, AND we loved our favorite college football teams!!  She was a dedicated Arkansas Razorback fan - so we started a yearly contest when the Backs played the Gamecocks in football.   The loser had to send the winner a small gift from their little piece of the world.

Oh my.  Renee was too young to go.  She was only in her mid 50's with a husband who just retired 3 months ago.  Just 3 months ago!!  They looked forward to spending more time together.   Their boys were now young men, and Renee and her husband were going to start a new chapter in life.

It's hard to understand.  I actually don't know the particulars about what took Renee yet.  I only know she stopped being on Facebook maybe a month or so ago, and this morning the memorials began popping up on line.

My heart goes out to her family.  I know that Renee has already started a "new life" beyond earth and I hope she is free from pain, or whatever her sickness had on her.  I am glad she is not suffering - but I know there is plenty of suffering now due to her loss.  God be with all those who knew and loved Renee. She will be missed.   I will treasure the piece of pottery she sent me when she lost the little bet we had with her Razorbacks and my Gamecocks.

It's the first day of spring - and I'm a bit sad.  But, I know that there is a new life in heaven.  I have faith that God welcomed a new loving servant today.

Rest in peace Renee.