Under bitter circumstances I met her.  Life as she knew it was being drained away yet she had what I like to call the “freaky peace” – you know, the Philippians 4 peace, the peace that surpasses all human understanding.  The fact that she was barely into adulthood only spoke more loudly of God’s grace in her.  This is so rare and God set us on the path to walk awhile together in this life – for this I will be eternally grateful. 

Even in the midst of tragedy she brings forth beauty, captures moments and blesses others.  God has gifted her exceedingly abundantly and in her humbleness she shares it generously.

Last night we got together for coffee & visit (which lasted until almost midnight) and she blew me away.  She had recently entered a beautiful memorial art piece in the fair and, via funny story, found out she placed second overall!!! I  was so proud of her and had gone to the fair specifically to see her work & especially to see this piece.  I admired it, but in reality, it actually it captured me.  The longer I spent taking it in the more it revealed, the more I saw, the deeper it touched my heart. This piece is dear to me because it reflects what we share, what binds us and what broke us and what we carry on.  She reached behind her chair and brought out the piece, I was so excited to hold it up close.  Then she said “it’s for you”…..  It was all I could do to hold back the wave of tears that were overtaking me… 
Walking the same path has knit our hearts together and that, that has brought us healing…

My fumbling words fail so instead, let me instead share the gift with you.  

Perseverance – by my dear friend Crystal Joy Schneider.  I am blessed by our friendship & your gift.  Love you!