Amy looked forward to Heaven because she knew God would restore to her all that had been taken and more. She struggled valiantly in her life with her plight. Amy was given more to bear in her life than most people could or would ever would face. She always amazed me.
My husband, Mike, met Amy back in the 1990 when she worked at an oil company during the Gulf War and he was a cop on duty there, where they became friends. Some time passed, and it was probably late 1991, when we walked into a church one Sunday morning and I finally met her. It seemed it was just meant to be.
As I spent time these past days contemplating what memories of Amy I wanted to share, I realized how many times she made me laugh when she was so delighted with things that happened or what she saw. Amy challenged me. She made me a better person. I want to share with you some of the times we had.
Amy and I (and several other friends) loved the Celtic. We loved bagpipes, kilts, the history, the music and longed to go to Scotland and Ireland one day. So....we often went to the Scottish Festival in Estes Park and Highlands Ranch or the Irish festivals and soaked up as much of it as we could. One of the best memories I have of Estes Park is when we would go to an event called a Tattoo. Amy would be so excited. Because of her ability to capture people into her life, she had met a man there who always saw her coming. He was a drum major in full Scottish regalia, kilt, hose, shoes, buckles, tartan, sporran, the works. Her face would light up when she saw him and he knew what was coming. She would roll right up to him and lift his kilt. Then she would yell “Commando.” He always laughed at her and looked forward to the next year. One time we were trying to get seated for the show and we couldn't get Amy's chair into the area. This same man walked up behind us, scooped Amy up, lifted her over and sat her down in a chair with the rest of us.
Amy hated that wheelchair and did everything in her life to not let it own her. My husband always said that Amy was the “strongest” person he had ever known. She had so little to work with and accomplished so much. She longed to be free of the chair and when she could, she would sit on the ground or the couch or a “real” chair because she loved to feel normal. She loved her convertible because she said it was the only place she could feel free.
We would often plan a day to just talk. We could always pick up right where we had left off the last time. She would come over or we would go out to eat and then just talk. She was one of the most verbally gifted people I have ever known. Our talks would never be surface. We would dig down and really work things over until we would both be mentally exhausted. When faced with tough questions, she could clearly verbalize her thoughts with such precision that I would be in awe. If I had been faced with the same question, I would have said, “Hell, I don't know.”
Amy lived her life to the fullest. She wanted to have it all. I admired her more than anyone I have known. I am so sorry that she is no longer here and though I cry for myself, I know that she has new legs and is dancing in Heaven with Jesus. She often spoke of her excitement to leave this body behind. My husband is firmly convinced that she is keeping God busy.
Psalm 46:1 says the “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Happiness does not depend on success in business or being applauded by others. It is not essential to be in good health or even naturally cheerful. God gives the truest health in sickness or infirmity and the most tender joy in depression. The ONLY thing necessary for happiness is for the Lord to smile on you. To know Him is life eternal. To know Him is solid peace. Amy knew the Lord, loved Him and trusted Him.
Amy struggled and feared what life would bring in later years, but it never took the smile from her face or the love from her heart. One of her friends told me this past week that Amy left something special with every person she met. That is true! She was so unaware of that fact. When I spent an afternoon with her the weekend before her death, it was pleasant to find out that during her illness and after, she had began to realize how many people cared for her. She expressed how much all the visits, cards, gifts, texts and phone calls had meant to her. She felt very loved and cared for. The desires of her heart had been met in so many ways and she expressed gratefulness.
Paul wrote to in 2 Timothy the 4th Chapter: “Now the time has come for me to die. My life is like a drink offering being poured out on the altar. I have fought well. I have finished the race, and I have been faithful. So a crown will be given to me for pleasing the Lord.”
Amy, you finished the race! You fought well and were faithful. Jesus has called you home to receive your crown. You finally have the peace you so longed for. You have legs to dance, walk, climb and sit anywhere you want to (or not at all). This world is NOT a better place without you. We will miss you more than you could ever know. But knowing what you have now makes my heart dance......and I sure hope there are raptors in Heaven.
I love you, Amy. Dance, Dance Dance!
