3 years ago, today, the unthinkable happened. In a random act of violence an innocent life was taken, 2 children were left without a mother, a family was left without a daughter and sister, and many people lost one of the sweetest, most selfless friend they will ever know. This post isn't about me and my heartache, but rather to share about a beautiful person who should still be on this earth today.
Alison Joelle was one of my first friends. We met when we were 3 months old and grew up around the block from each other. A couple cool things we had in common: first, we were both adopted as infants and born 4 days apart! Second, we both came from a family of 4-she was the oldest of 4 and I was the youngest of 4. We went to summer camps together, talked about our first crushes, drove each other around in our "cool" first cars, and attended each other's weddings.
The last time I saw her was at Starbucks in our hometown. I was up visiting family and we ran into each other. It had been awhile since we had seen each other and we spent a couple of hours catching up. I thank God for that random meeting because I never would have fathomed that 4 months later her life would be taken.
Some of the many things I love and admire about her: her laugh...for those of you who knew her, I'm sure you can still hear her contagious laugh in your head! Her ability to make friends with almost any and everyone-there was not a judgmental bone in her body. Her sense of humor. Her love and devotion to her children.
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| Sleepover :) |
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| One of my favorites: Playing on the swing set in her back yard. |
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| Lined up on our first day of Kindergarten! |
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| Junior high church camp = awkward pose :) |
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| Her senior banquet/prom |
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| Celebrating her 21st birthday |
Alison, thank you for being a loyal and loving friend. You are one of the first people I hope to see when I get to heaven. You are missed beyond words to so many people.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him...The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.~Psalm 34
A sweet post...my prayers go out to Alison's family & to you as you grieve her loss. Much Love!
ReplyDeleteDes, what a wonderful tribute to your life-long pal. I know you can't wait to see her in Heaven - what a promise we have in our Jesus!! Wonderful of you to share this with all of us who love you! Carol Taylor
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