Missing My Leta

Have you ever had a friend that you feel you have known your entire life; a person you meet and there is a special connection on the heart level or perhaps an unspoken understanding between you? When I met the friend that I am about to speak of here, we became friends almost immediately. In our short 6 year relationship I was very aware that she was one of those rare people in my life. As if I have always known her our relationship seemed to have no beginning and no end.

Leta, also known as a prayer warrior was born with a heart that wanted, more than anyone I have ever known, to please the Lord. Her greatest goal was to make a difference in some way for the purposes of God. Strong in her convictions and faith she was a wonderful example of a person that in spite of her circumstances, held tight to her faith in the Lord. My life has been blessed by having her in it. She and I spent many hours together where she would pray over me and my family. There were times in the earlier years of our relationship when she spoke words of encouragement and wisdom that I will not forget. I have always felt a strong heart connection with my dear friend.

I am missing my Leta today. She went to be with the Lord on December 28th, close to 92 years of age. I knew the day would come when she would be gone from my life, but still I was not ready when it actually took place. On the day she took her last breath...I was unprepared for the many emotions that would accompany this loss.

Leta meant the world to me and I told her that often. When she left this world, those feelings of love became much more intense. It was then that I began to understand what it was that drew me to her and kept me coming back. It's quite simple really; Leta loved me. I felt such a loss for this person and my heart was breaking with the thought that she would no longer be in my life, but the overwhelming feeling that I was dealing was more about that fact that she loved me; she saw who I was...in my heart. I was unable to put it out of my mind. When Leta looked at me she actually saw me and accepted me just as I am. I felt at home and safe with her.

Today with my mixed emotions of losing a heart connection with a dear woman, I am thanking the Lord for bringing her into my life and giving me the opportunity to experience love so completely; love that moved in both directions between her heart and mine. I will miss our actual physical times together; the many smiles and hugs we shared, but the truth is Leta lives on in the many memories I carry in my heart. My life has been altered for the better because of her part in it. I hope she knows now that some of God's purposes were fulfilled through our interactions. My heart if filled with warmth and gratitude. I am blessed.

Below are some pictures of my dear friend along with my daughter and myself. Won't you join me in a tribute to a life that made a difference in mine? I love you Leta!