That's how it is with good friends. Even when you haven't seen them in awhile you still feel their presence. I was glad I had the time with Florence that I did. Still, I am really going to miss her in the world.
My friend Florence came into this world 102 years ago. She was a very wise person,naturally. She was also rather good natured despite having lived through many tragedies; she outlived her husband and both children. She had a great sense of humor and was not at all pretentious. You could make jokes and be natural and not worry about mistakenly offending her. And of course, she had a lot of stories to tell. Some were happy and funny while others were tragic and bitter- and all were interesting. I once tried to find some of the places she described from her childhood but it had been so long I couldn't find any of them.
We used to go on some outrageous wheelchair treks! The last few weeks though, I could only take her to see the flowers by the front of the nursing home, and she couldn't talk very much. I know she made the transition smoothly and has moved forward well because of how I felt the evening before she died. She was half awake and I read from her Bible a bit and talked to her. As I left I had a sudden happy feeling and couldn't help smiling.
Two years ago when the grove was planted, one of the trees at the very top
put its roots deep into the earth and pushed its branches up into the sky . It is one of the largest trees there. I named it Florence in honor of a woman who did much the same thing.
Florence
A great deal can be said for those staff of the nursing home where she spent her final years who provided some charm and kindness while doing all those things which are needed in caring for so many. Above all, I have great regard for Nurse Beth, who had the courage to support us when some of Bible reading sessions went late and some found my presence inconvenient. It made a great deal of difference to Florence and I still remember the shining look of happiness on her face the last night I stayed late. It was the last chance I would have before the veil descended before her understanding.
If you ever read this Beth, may you know that you are always welcome.