“Just Edna”
Because I am a very fortunate person I live in a small town of under 800 people. Because I live a small town I know everyone, their Moms and Dads, kids and dogs. Because I live in a small town I know in the afternoon that someone sneezed at the Coffee Cup in the morning. So because I live in a small town it was my privilege to know Edna.
I say “was” because this good, gentle lady lost a battle to cancer yesterday and just before lunchtime she slipped away to be with Jesus.
Edna was 80 years old physically but in her heart she was still 21; looking forward to many grand adventures. This summer we planned on taking her to the Mandan Speedway so she could watch a stock car race. She had a little trouble understanding why anyone would sit and watch cars drive around in a circle. (The Daytona 500) But Bob assured her once she saw a real race the sound of cars thundering around the turns, shaking the bleachers, would be in her blood forever.
If a word could personify her it would be Compassion. That was what moved her to start a little food pantry in her own kitchen…even if she had nine healthy children of her own to feed. Although it had long since moved out of her home, the Food Pantry and volunteers helped give away over a 100 food baskets to the needy at Christmas time this year. Later when her children were grown, Compassion said “Edna, the folks in Steele need a Senior Center.” So she worked tirelessly with her friend Arlene and many other volunteers on the project. Today, many years later, we have a beautiful center that provides congreate dining to the elderly and meals on wheels for the shut ins. Not so very long ago, she was only 78 then, she received her CNA license so she could help take care of other people who needed care in their own home. Last year she helped facilitate a Horizon study circle.
I learned some valuable life lessons by watching her.
She took the time to bake me a birthday cake and I learned that little things in life make it special.
I listened to her pray and learned that, God not only hears, but answers every prayer, even if it wasn’t the way we thought it should be answered.
I saw her give time and money to people who had nothing and I learned we must always give to those in need.
I saw tears in her eyes when she heard others share their pain and I learned we are responsible to bear each other’s burdens.
Sometimes she would call and miss me at home or work and leave a message on the answering machine that always ended with “It’s just Edna”. I will miss Edna’s voice and smile but I rejoice knowing she’s safe at home. One can only imagine what adventures she will experience as she explores Heaven.