I went to see my friend Becky yesterday. She has Alzheimer’s and isn’t really eating that much anymore. She is still up and walking around though. She’s in home hospice care now.

One of the best things about Becky was how she was always there to give me a comforting word or piece of advice that was actually useful. Lots of people try to give advice, few people know how to give useful advice, Becky’s advice was always useful.

This was another bad week for my family for reasons I don’t want to share right now. I looked to my mom for comfort but that’s not her gift when she’s worried. I tried another older friend but her idea of comfort is advice, not the good kind. I was thinking Becky would know what to say and do but I was sad because she hasn’t remembered me all year.

Yesterday when we went to see her, her husband told me to share something from school, so I said, “Becky, we made your ice cream this week at school.” She looked up at me mumbled something that I didn’t understand but then she reached out her arms to me and grabbed me to hug me and we just stood there giving each other the longest hug ever. I was so grateful.

Then she walked me over to her couch and we sat down next to each other and she patted my hand and I hers. I talked mostly about school, names of other teachers she might recognize, labs we had been working on in class. We sat next to each other quietly while I patted her back. She talked to me about things in her usual Becky way, I could still see and hear in her voice my friend. After awhile she looked at me and clearly asked for the time. I told her, “5 PM” and just like that she got up and said she had to go….and she started walking around her home again…

Her husband Jaxson moved over to the couch where we were and eventually Becky wandered back over and sat next to him. She kissed his leg and snuggled close while he held her. I watched and realized God was giving me a glimpse of heavenly love in my friends. She fell asleep in his arms and our visit ended so she could get some rest and her husband could hold his wife. We let ourselves out and I could only be grateful for the continued gift that is my friend, Becky.

So today I’m thankful that on a day I needed love and support, my friend was there for me, even without words and even in her illness and even when she has no idea what’s been going on in my life. She still showed her love for me in a way we both understood. Her life continues to have purpose and meaning and she continues to bless others even in this illness. I will remember her hug always and I hope it’s not our last.

For my friend Becky…I Give thanks!

We ran a 2 mile race yesterday, Dala Horse Trot, it was fun and the pancakes were great as usual…