In light of what happened on Wall Street today, maybe this story will remind us that in spite of how dark it seems to get, the sun will come up again.
Although I had known Cheree since she was a little girl, I really got to know her during the darkest day of her life. When you spend your life in the funeral business it’s not difficult to get to know people on the darkest day of their life.
Cheree was only 28 years old on April 22, 1995 when her husband suddenly died of a heart attack. There is no way I can even begin to explain how devastated this young wife was that day. And I cannot even begin to explain how my heart went out to her.
It was like her burden became my burden.
I spent a lot of time with Cheree those days leading up to and following her husband’s funeral. We developed a special relationship and bond that will last the rest of our lives. She unknowingly did more for me than I ever did for her.
And I am certain she wondered if she would ever be able to function normally again.
There were many prayers that were prayed on Cheree’s behalf for many months following David’s death and I was one of those praying. She was beautiful and sweet and in my opinion she really did not deserve what she had to walk through. “God, please give her life again,” I prayed. And I knew in my heart He would.
And oh He did.
“Life again” for her came in the form of the man she would marry some five years later. Cheree and Walker Fricks (pictured above) have been married for eight years now and they are raising their family and enjoying life. The rain has turned to sunshine. The darkness has turned to bright day.
Every time I see her we both smile and hug and tell each other how much we love each other. We have a special bond because we walked together years ago down the most difficult path this life can take.
Maybe we all need to do a little more walking down paths with those who could use a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on during the dark times. The person who gets leaned on gets as much out of those walks as the person doing the leaning.
Today I am very thankful I was there and I am glad she was there. And I am honored to call Cheree my friend.
My goodness I love this girl.
My Cheree Amour.
9 comments:
Thank you so much for writing this article.You know with our fast pace life we loose touch with so many people. I was in the same grade with Cheree and we were good friends in school. I have spent many nights with her in the past and lots of play times when we were younger, in fact I was spending the night with her the night Rudy broke his ankle at the TC game. She has always been such a sweet girl. I hate that we have lost touch.
Hey Cheree, its great to hear that you are doing well. Isn't Bruce awesome?
Love,
Mia
Cheree is an inspiration to all who know her.
Well said, Bruce. I love Ree and Walker!
-Leigh
Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.
I love that Cheree!!!!
kg
Bruce, This girl loves you right back. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God led me to you at that sad time in my life because of your compassion. I will never forget your kindness to me.
Thank you for your prayers. You are right. God answered. First, He gave me my wonderful family and friends who may as well be my family, then He sent me Walker and his whole family.
Thank you for your kind words today.
I love you, man! (love you too, Kathy!)
Cheree
Bruce, I am very thankful you were there, too. Thank you ~ I love my Cheree. And I thank the Lord everyday for sending Walker to her.
Bruce, you've done it again! Your story on Cheree and Walker is wonderful. Paul and I love Cheree and Walker, they are very special to us.
Bruce, I can't imagine how many people you've helped in their "darkest days". What a wonderful thing to see how God's turned the darkness to light and the mourning to dancing. Isn't He good?! I love that Cheree and I love you too!
Michelle
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