"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my fathers house there are many rooms; If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
A dear friend of our family passed away last week. Kizzy was the grandmother of my childhood best friend...in fact, I guess you could classify the Brown family as my families "Best Friend". On many occasions growing up we would spend summer vacations, and Thanksgiving break with the Brown family. The Powell's have kindly been adopted by the Brown's over the past 20 years or so.
The celebration of Kizzy's life took place on Monday afternoon. I choose to use the word celebration over funeral, because from what I hear...that is exactly what is was. My parents shared information with me about the stories told, pictures shown, and fellowship with loved ones that was shared.
I feel deep regret for not being able to attend this occasion. CR2 had his final doctors appointment on Monday, his MRI, and this could not be re-scheduled easily. (on a side note...the MRI results came back completely normal!!! Praise the Lord! Will post more on this later). I would have really liked to hug some necks, circle up, and share in the celebration of Kizzy's life!
My fondest memory of Kizzy goes back to the 6th grade. As a 6th grader in the Methodist Church you go through Confirmation Class. Confirmation refers to the decision a person makes to respond to God's grace with intentional commitment, publicly reaffirming his or her baptismal vows before the congregation. During this process you select a Confirmation Mentor, mine was Kizzy.
During this process we would meet as a group for class once a week after school, and would then have one on one time with our mentor outside of church. I can so fondly remember Kizzy picking me up for our weekly dinner date every week. She drove a big ol' car, I think it was a Buick. Kizzy was always dressed to a T, and had perfect hair. We always went to the same place... O'Malleys on Main Street. Now that I think about it, it is quite hillarious that we held our weekly fellowship at the local pub! ha!Kizzy always insisted that we order a 4 course meal. I guess this was to ensure that we had ample time together. I can remember exactly what we would order...Fried Mozzarella Appetizer, Caesar Salad, Steak, and Cheesecake for dessert. I would follow her lead every time, in fact I don't even think I knew what a Caesar Salad was, I just ordered it to be like Kizzy.
It was here that we would talk about God's grace, life, and other subjects. I can't remember exactly what was said, or the Bible topics reviewed, but I do remember one thing very well...The way Kizzy made me feel! She wouldn't speak to me like a child, and always made me feel important. She was truly invested our conversations, and did not treat her time with me as a chore. She was funny and vibrant, and I was truly excited for my time with her each week. Kizzy had lots of life lessons and stories to share, and was a pure joy to be around.
At the end of our time together, Kizzy gave me a beautiful silver cross. Kizzy was a woman with impeccable taste, and I can remember how excited I was to receive this gift. It is not always easy to connect with a hormonal pre-teen, but Kizzy had a way...a certain ease about her, and I am so lucky that she was my Confirmation Mentor.
Mom shared with me certain demands that Kizzy held for her "celebration", and of course she wanted to make sure all of her friends were in town. What a trip! I find great joy in knowing that Kizzy is now home, in her father's house.
I would also like to extend my love to the Brown family. Kizzy was responsible for such a wonderful group of people! I only hope that when my family is faced with this sorrow, that we are able to handle it with the grace and joy that you all did.
Love to you all!
JP
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