As I received notice that today is Anne's birthday, I took time to reflect on the blessing of friendship our families shared. Although separation occurred and she has gone on to be with God, we will always treasure those memories.
This tribute is posted a little late, but in Anne's memory, I still chose to pause, pray, and celebrate.

I was thinking of you the other day
How our paths crossed on the way
I got the notice of this sacred moment
And decided to make a caring comment

I pray for your family & all you call a friend To remember in Christ-deaths not the end
And live with faith and follow Christ's way
So in eternity, with you & God we will stay

With each passing year, the reality of life beyond this life becomes more evident, real, and near. I remember the days our families spent together as friends. We had good times and tough ones.
Yet, through God's providence, we will celebrate anew when we meet again, in heaven. As Anne is with the Lord, God be with the Durney family. 

I remember this day and I am thankful
That our paths crossed for a little while.
I'll always treasure that time way back when
And we'll celebrate & talk when I see you again.
Jeff Russell

God bless the Durney family on this sacred day. 
May the comfort and peace of God come your way.
May you treasure the memories stored in your heart
Even though, for now, that you and her are apart.

I stopped in today to honor the memory of a wonderful woman, Anne Durney. I send prayers today on behalf of her family. May God touch you with His special, encouraging presence today. I remember Anne being a lady of great faith. May her faith live in each of you today. 
In Christ,
Jeff Russell

I stopped by to honor the memory of Anne. I am grateful for the memories we have in our younger years. Donna and I still have wonderful memories and share them with each other. I just read the poem I wrote last year...and it still rings true. 
God bless the children of Anne....especially today.

I know it was part of God’s plan,
When I read the post by Kerianne.
The words I read must break your heart,
And I’m writing now to give you support.

I’ll start by writing a little history
And I hope it will jog your memory.
Your mom got to know Donna and me,
While I was studying at the Seminary.

Our kids played ball on teams together
Different games in all kinds of weather
During the games and when they did end,
We had the Durney family as our friend.

We shared meals and spent time together
And enjoyed getting to know one another.
You kids seemed to always stress our brains,
But we got you to enjoy playing video games.

When we moved from Virginia to Indiana,
Your family said, “We’ll go and help ya.”
We traveled along from state to state
In trucks and cars down the interstate.

In all of it, our move went very smooth
And our friendship really helped our mood.
It was afterward it all took a turn,
As the bridge we built did fall and burn.

It broke our heart, but we never did stop
Loving you, for you stayed on the top
Being our friends, even if all did change.
The new reality, for us, sure was strange.


Life does have its twists and its turns.
The loss of our friends…it still burns.
But there’s one thing no one can ever measure,
And that is our love for you we’ll always treasure.

We loved your mom and all you kids
She was so special, these are no fibs.
We grieved when we learned she passed away
And for all of you kids, we certainly still do pray.

I send my love to you in this poem,
For in your grief you’re not alone.
Our boys are with your mom up in heaven
Jeff in 2005 and Rick in 2007.

On the anniversary of your mom’s passing,
I send my love and support. I am praying.
We can look forward to a very, very special Day.
All together in heaven shouting “Hip, Hip, Hooray!”