"Love you!"
I can't count how many times you've said that to me.
I remember when we first met. Your youngest (pictured here) was just a baby but you also had 3 little ones that wanted you to get in the pool with them. I watched your baby so you could be that mom and play with them. It became our habit that summer.
I remember looking forward to homeschool meetings and outings, knowing you would be there with your amazing hugs and genuine smiles.
I remember you going through hard times, working nights at a gas station. I admired you for that, that you would do whatever it took to keep food on the table for your children. You were tired but never complained about it.
I remember when we toured the house next door, you were so excited at the possibility of us living so close was contagious. We didn't move in but we were much closer and that opened the doors to see you more often. I'd stop to buy eggs from you and my kids learned quickly that our "quick visits" were anything but that. We'd try to catch up in 10 minutes only to find an hour had passed by...again.
I remember your love and support through our own hard times, especially when my husband was unemployed. You gave him work I knew you couldn't afford but you did it anyway. You supplemented our boxes from the food pantry with veggies fresh from your garden. You would call me and tell me you needed freezer space and ask me to take pork and beef off your hands to make room. I knew you were just speaking to my pride and letting me avoid the embarrassment of yet another much need hand out. You knew because you'd been there yourself.
I remember the numerous times you hired me for miscellaneous seamstress jobs. Sometimes I thought you must walk around the house looking for things you could have me do so you could give me work. I loved you for that.
I remember the day you stepped out of your comfort zone to support my new business. You and your boy came to model Mommy and Me superhero aprons I'd been creating. You were so nervous but willing to put that aside for me when I struggled to find volunteers.
I remember when I started adding art classes to my growing business, you quickly signed up your girls. Watching them grow from adorable little girls to beautiful young ladies has been a joy. It has been an honor to teach them and have them in class each week. It also meant I got to see you regularly again.
I remember the surprise visit from you just a couple weeks ago. You need a bathroom and were in my neighborhood. You knew I would understand so you knocked on my door. That was the last time I'd see you.
I have so many memories with you, sweet
Tammy. You have truly been a dear friend to me and I'm thankful for each one. You did not deserve the ending you got, my friend, but knowing you are now with our precious Lord brings me comfort.
Love you, sister! See you heavenside
❤________________________________________
My dear friend and sister in Christ was murdered by her husband this weekend. She had separated him last fall but the abuse continued despite a restraining order. Her 4 children are left without parents. Please pray for them as they navigate through this time. If you are able, please consider contributing to their care. A GoFundMe account has been set up for them here:
http://bit.ly/Hicks4
My friends that knew her, I'd love to hear your memories too.
