This funeral was somewhat different. Was it sad? Yes. Will that person leave a void? Yes. But it was a testimony in a number of ways of the true power of love.
You see, Amy was handicapped from the age of three months when she suffered a bout with menigities. She was an answer to prayer...…..she did not die. She became the commitment in her parent's lives for the next 45 years. The love of a parent for a child is a difficult thing to describe. Is it just a commitment, or a sacrifice, or does it go deeper? In this case it became a lifestyle. The love was tangible, real and never faked. For Amy would never run into her parent's arms and tell them that she loved them, but she told them through her laughter and smiles. She mourned her daddy when he passed away. Her mother knew this even though Amy couldn't tell her. Amy was a special testimony in and of herself. Her parent's love for her has become a testimony to the rest of us.
The love of family is immeasurable. Amy's family surrounded her. Her parents, her siblings, her nephews and nieces were all a part of her life. Her sister testified how much Amy had changed their lives, filled them with a compassion and caring that could have come no other way. Experience is not only the best teacher, it is sometimes our only teacher. Each experience with Amy would ultimately change each of them for the better.
Another part of the story is the love that this community had, not only for Amy, but for her family. They supported them in the hard times, were there when a shoulder was needed for a good cry, loved them through thick and thin, and physically stepped in to help when they were overwhelmed. It was never a sacrifice for anyone to become a part of Amy's life. It was just done because that's what people do who love and care for each other.
Perhaps Amy's care was seen as a life long burden by some. And it could easily have been that. But for Amy's family it was a burden of joy. Was it difficult? I am sure they could tell you many stories of the hardships, the difficulties, the pain, or the fear that encased these last 45 years. But they don't focus on that, they focus on the joy that Amy brought into their lives.
I only met Amy once. She didn't seem extra special to me, but then I didn't know her personally. But the look on her mother's face when she interacted with Amy was extraordinary. When other's talked about her, it was with love and compassion. There was understanding, kindness, consideration expressed by all those who did know her or her family. She is a testimony to the difference that one life can make in this world. One life that changes everything it comes in contact with, one life that will be sorely missed.
Even though I didn't know you, Amy, you have impacted my life in subtle ways. I was sometimes almost jealous of the love others felt for you. God now has His little girl. She is whole and well, sitting in His lap for all eternity. Thank you for changing my life. God bless you always.
Just Writin' on the River Road
A sweet and honest tribute to Amy.
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