day 293: a vision

I was back in Boston with my cousin who was dying of cancer when I got a call from my husband saying that my bishop wanted to talk to me.  My mind was all over the place.  The swollen belly of Leigh.  The warm New England September.  And the kind Polynesian face of my friend back home.

Ever since my husband had called I couldn't get her out of my mind.  In the midst of learning about pain meds, cancered breasts and bones, and how to take care of my cousin's cats, Edris's face kept popping into my head.  Again.  Then again.

After I got home I was asked by my bishop to serve as the Relief Society president (leader of the women's auxiliary) in my ward (congregation).  I knew I was supposed to work with Edris.  I didn't know anything else, but I knew that.  And it was a great run.  I felt tapped in to her spiritual take on things.  I still do.  We did tons of crying together.  We still do. 

Somehow I have known her longer than I have known her.  She is my loving, smart, trusted friend, and she has been an answer to prayer more than once.  Like the time during a meeting when a woman said, for the third or fourth time, something that was completely against our beliefs.  I thought, Please let someone else make the correction here so I don't have to swing the heavy hammer.  Then there she was. 

Yeah, I love that brown face. 

13 comments

gigi | June 9, 2010 at 5:07 AM

I think that those are rare spiritual friendships sent by the Lord to help us serve Him and His children. I've had only one like that and I know she came from the Lord when I needed it most. That made me smile.

mermaid gallery | June 9, 2010 at 6:39 AM

somehow we just, KNOW....and that's the wonderful mystery of life.....

Lara Neves | June 9, 2010 at 7:47 AM

So cool. I'm assuming you called her as one of your counselors? I love how the Lord works. Love it.

Momza | June 9, 2010 at 8:56 AM

You sound like me...most of my closest friendships have come from serving in a calling with someone else and that bond is forged forever.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | June 9, 2010 at 9:41 AM

You write so beautifully.
I love how you share.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | June 9, 2010 at 9:47 AM

I have friends I feel I've known longer than I've known...those friends who are more than friends. How lucky are we?

Bossy Betty | June 9, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Nothing like the companionship and support of a friend--at just the right time too.

Charlotte | June 9, 2010 at 11:01 AM

I love that you got the prompting before the calling. The Lord sometimes knows who we need, doesn't He?

Heidi | June 9, 2010 at 2:57 PM

I have seen her name often on your blog or FB and wondered about her . . .now I know! :)

Becca | June 9, 2010 at 6:44 PM

A friend you've known longer than you've known - that is a rare and precious gift. As is a great counselor. In combination? Nearly priceless.

wendy | June 9, 2010 at 8:08 PM

Wonderful friends and associates----put in our path----because the Lord knows we needed them.
How wonderful is that.

Dedee | June 12, 2010 at 10:34 PM

I love those friendships!

Lisa | June 13, 2010 at 10:28 PM

Weird. I also have a dear brown-faced friend filled with wisdom beyond her years and an ability to stand up for her beliefs at all times, and in all things, and in all places. I love her dearly. Her name is Edris too :)