My Dear Friend, Boots

I've been at camp for a week with our teenagers. I thought I'd find some free time today to share just how amazing these teens are, but God has other plans for today. You see, this morning, my dear friend, Boots, went to be with Our Lord and Savior. She is at peace; she is healed, she is happy. But we will miss her so much. I thought I would share what she meant to us.

I met Boots 14 years ago. B-boo was just a baby and we were at the baby shower of another friend. Boots was sitting beside me and we just kind of hit it off. Over the years our friendship became so much more than just friends. She was twice my age, but she was awesome. Her home was always open and she loved to be around my family.

I remember swimming at her home one time. My youngest daughter didn't even know how to swim yet, she must have been about a year old; old enough to be walking around. She was a brave child; still is. She'd just jump right into that pool and we'd pray she wouldn't drown! Boots had a life vest thing that we put on her. When the Drama Queen saw the little tykes slide, she was in heaven! She'd slide down that thing right into the pool. A few times she jumped off of it. She terrified us, but Boots loved it! In many ways, I think Boots must have seen some of the Drama Queen in herself.

Another time, when B-Boo was about 4 years old, she snuck into their car and would not get out. She was bound and determined to go home with Mr. Boots, as he was and still is fondly called.

My friend and I used to take Boots out for lunch. We'd laugh fondly as we shoved her hiney up into my big ole conversion van. After a while, we had to take my friend's mini-van instead, but those shoves left fond memories of Boots permanently implanted in our minds. Just this weekend, we were talking about shoving her in for another lunch. We love her.

Boots' eyes were failing near the end and she couldn't tell which kid was which, but she knew they were one of mine.

I loved to hear from her, to hear her talk with that attitude of hers. She was not one that would take no for an answer and she was what we fondly called, "ornery!"

Last week, she asked me when was I going to bring the kids swimming. I told her we'd come after our vacation in July. I wish I'd just gone. We'll not have the chance again.

As I sat with my friend and Mr. Boots this morning, I thought about the last time we were there. It was in May, at our D-now weekend. Boots sat in that same chair as myself and a few of the teens gathered around her and prayed for her. I didn't know that would be the last time I'd visit her in her home. This morning, we gathered around Mr. Boots as we remembered her.

She was a special lady and we will miss her so much…and while are hearts are broken here on earth, we praise God that she is up in Heaven feeling no more pain; playing the piano and singing with the angels, perhaps even dancing.