4.26.2012

Closing Windows

It's W Day at the Ballpark, and Whitney has been persistent in my mind.

I was shocked when I heard she had passed.  Her voice seemed inextinguishable.  Through technology, her recorded voice will always be with us, but the breath behind the music is gone.

My heart goes out to her daughter.  Regardless of Whitney's fame and struggles, in her daughter's eyes, she was simply Mom.

Whitney shares the day with another W image that also tugs at my heart.

Two years ago, a good friend of mine in Oregon passed away.  Kim was authentic and loving and passionate about helping women in crisis pregnancies.  She was a positive mentor to me, and I miss her.

In her final days, she wanted to visit Multnomah Falls, a favorite spot near her home where she always found beauty and peace.  As a woman of faith, she encountered God there.  Her daughter took her to the waterfalls and took this picture.


I love this image of Kim in her wheelchair, admiring the beauty and massive force of the waterfall.  She knew she was dying, and she was at peace with it.  She knew the same creator who had formed the rocks had shaped her life, and she was ready to join Him.

These days, whenever I see a waterfall, I think of Kim. (For my original tribute to my dear friend, click here: In Memory of Kim)

Today, I'm thinking of two beloved women who died too young.  Known around the globe, or known on a much smaller scale, they both had a great impact on those who loved them.  Their earthly windows have closed, but I believe their light continues to shine in their Father's house.    



13 comments:

Retired Knitter said...

What a wonderful post. I, too, am a fan of Whitney. Her death was a huge loss. And your tribute to your friend (and that moving picture) were very touching.

Arkansas Patti said...

What a lovely tribute to your friend and what a sad yet powerful image of her in the wheel chair.

Fran@Broken Cookies Don't Count said...

What a lovely post. I've been to Multnomah Falls and it is incredible. That photo brings tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing it.

betty said...

Truly wonderful picture of your friend; brought tears to my eyes the way you described her and that day she got to see the falls. And you are right about Whitney Houston, I too feel for her daughter to have lost her mom at such a young age.

I hope your day is a kind one :)

betty

Michael Ann said...

This was very lovely, thank you. It is the kind of post that sticks in your mind all day....

Lisa Campbell said...

Thanks goodness their light still exists beyond this life. Without that belief, I'm not sure I'd have the strength to survive life. But with it, everything has hope. I love the picture of your friend at the waterfall. Looks very peaceful. Thanks for your thoughtful comment on my blog. I appreciate it!

Cheryl said...

I too was shocked about Whitney houston. I always loved her voice and was sad that she went down the road she did.
What beautiful waterfalls. And I am sorry about your friend. But glad she was at peace with it.

Rita said...

It was so sad to see Whitney throw her life away like she did for so many years. Tragic.

The picture of your friend...touching. Made me wish they had made it wheelchair accessible so she could have gotten closer to the falls! She sounds like a remarkable woman anyone would have been glad to know. :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'll be back. :)

Katy@OurSimpleLoveStory said...

This post is absolutely beautiful. "The breath behind the music" was just eloquent phrasing.

Thanks for stopping by my blog this week. I finally figured out RSS feeds, so if you would like to subscribe, you can! :)

Karen Lange said...

This is a lovely tribute to two special people. Thanks for sharing with us.

Betsy Schow said...

Beautiful, thank you. The mark of a life well lived is the not stuff you leave behind, but the ripples you leave in the lives of others.

Cari said...

Sorry for your loss, but it does give us peace to know she is in a better place. The photo was breath-taking. I must admit, I starred this post so I may gaze upon it again. If our creator can make such a wonder, he will surely take care of us. Wow. Lovely post and tribute to your friend.

Marie said...

Your loving words have made me cry. Kim is so beautiful in this picture. I'm so glad she was at peace with everything. I can see why she wanted to visit this waterfall. This is a beautiful tribute to your friend.