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My best friend in Nursing School was Heidi. There are certain people in life who are instantly and constantly loved by everyone who meets them. That is Heidi. This is a girl that everyone loves. If there were ever a popularity contest for our graduating class of RN's, I am quite confident she would've worn the crown. I claim her as my best friend in nursing school but truth is she probably had a dozen other people who would claim her as their favorite person too!
The simple fact is, she is worthy of ALL the adoration.
She is kind, funny, and sometimes quirky. Most importantly, she is friendly, hardworking and incredibly talented. Our last semester of school she decided to start her family. I remember her puking during class. She endured persistent and exhausting pregnancy nausea during one of the toughest semesters known to college students.
She took it like a champ.
I remember driving Heidi to our review course for the dreaded nursing exam. As I drove my tiny framed, adorable friend, with her pronounced belly, housing her 7months gestation baby, something hit me. I was overcome by an urgency to drive carefully because I was transporting precious cargo. This was 8 years ago, yet the impression of how valuable she is has not diminished.
I've always known people like Heidi are rare. People that cool, who make everyone around them feel like a million bucks are priceless. She has that quality. The next time I saw Heidi again, great with child was in February. This time she was again carrying very special cargo. We learned that he was exceptionally rare in that he was born with 2 congenital heart defects.
I wished I could protect my friend and her son Ethan. Oh, that I had the proper skills and the magic wand necessary to provide them a smooth and luxurious ride through this life. It became clear to me that on this journey the driver was Heavenly Father.
Prayer was our greatest resource. As I and my children prayed to our Father to help our little friend, we learned of Ethan's advancements and setbacks. We prayed fervently for improvements.
He was called to endure numerous physical challenges. Ethan was resilient and patient. He shared tender and special moments with his family and all who know them. Touched thousands with his little smiles and his slate blue eyes filled with sage wisdom.
My eyes overflow with tears and my heart is choked with sadness as I learn that Ethan's earthly journey is complete. I know this must be part of The Master's plan for Ethan. I know he is not alone and he is is no longer restricted by the limitations of his body.
Divine perspective will provide comfort, yet, for now I am heartbroken. Today I long for my friend to hold her sweet baby. I weep for the plans and desires of a mother's heart that must go unfulfilled for a time. If only I could have made Ethan whole so He could have that time at home with his family they so deserved.
Ethan, you will be greatly missed little guy.
To Heidi and her sweet family, I send all my love.
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Just as I greatly treasure Heidi and her sweet son, I know Heavenly Father cares infinitely more. I pray he will open the windows of heaven and pour out his love and provide them with divine comfort.
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15 comments:
What a sweet tribute Wendy. I'm sure your friend Heidi, will greatly appreciate your words.
Tears and sweetness. What a precious child. And a neat mother. Thanks for sharing!
Never do I observe the trials of another and wish to walk their path. I can think of few things more painful than to lose a child. My heart goes out to Heidi and I'm glad for her sake that she has a good friend like you, Wendy. After all we know, we are not in charge.
Wendy- I am sorry for your friend's loss. it's good she has a friend like you to help her and support her and love her during this time.
such sweet words wendy, you are so gifted.
this just breaks my heart, it seems so unfair. all that we go through to get them here and then the emotions that cannot be described that we feel toward them. it just seems unbearable. this just makes me so sad. so grateful for the gospel and hope that with time the pain will ease some.
what a dear friend you are to her.
my heart breaks for them. Life is so fragile, and so taken for granted by those who have their health.
What a precious, heartfelt post. My prayers are with Heidi and her family right now!
They say that pain is lessened when it's shared. Heidi is blessed to have an eternal friend like you, Wen. Sending thoughts of peace to the family and to you. Ethan reminds me of the last two Daw boys! We are so blessed. Love you.
This was beautifully written.
I'll be praying for you and Heidi.
They say that god gives no more than you can handle so Heidi must be as great and endearing as you say. He thought her to be sooooo strong that she should have the angel that arives, spreads the clouds and heavens to brighten the earth and returns with his job well done! WEll done Ethan.
What a beautiful tribute, thanks for sharing.
What a great tribute to your friend, she sounds amazing. Her precious boy is adorable and in Heavenly Father's arms. I pray that the family feels comforted at this time. I can't imagine what they are feeling, but we are so blessed to know of the other side.
Such touching comments, a wonderful tribute. As this sorrow is shared we each reach inside and related to the sadness and rejoice in those hopes we have for the eternities. Heartfelt wishes to Heidi and her young family at this difficult time. Wendy's Mom, Iris
What an incredibly well written and beautiful tribute to your friend and her sweet baby. I can't imagine the pain that accompanies such an event. I hope that they find comfort in friends like you and in the Lord in such a difficult time.
No words, just tears of gratitude. I have had so many in my ward ask who zippity do daw was? I would tell them a dear friend and BIG supporter of Ethan!
Thank you! And yes, you were my best friend in school. . . I thought Rye was yours?!*
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