francine

My dear friend Francine passed away this week. Her funeral was today. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about 18 months ago. Because she was in her late 80's, she opted not to treat it and let nature take its course. She really didn't experience too much setback to her daily activities until about 5 months ago and then things gradually started to slide. Her last 2 weeks have been especially uncomfortable. She was an amazing lady in many ways, but I most appreciated her ability to see a service opportunity, not readily realized by others, and then seize the moment. She spent many hours reading to friends who couldn't see the printed page anymore, walking with people who had physical disabilities, and for me -- spending time with my children so that I could have the opportunity to learn to play/practice the organ at the church. Matthew especially loved the Monday mornings when "Sis. Holt" would come play with him while I went to the church to practice the organ. She loved that time with Matthew too. Francine especially enjoyed music and walking. She was a very good organist and has played the organ since she was a young girl. I often saw her out for her daily walk early in the morning when I was out running. A spray of flowers beside her casket featured a book of organ music and her walking shoes. It was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful friend!