One of the great gifts God gives to us, His children, is that of a best friend. My best friend for most of my adult life has been Bonnie Glasspoole. How can one think of Bonnie without smiling? Years ago our family tagged her as “Bonnie Sunshine” because she was just that to us: a lovely ray of golden sunshine. And we still think of her that way and call her Bonnie Sunshine and probably always will. These last few years Bonnie has wrestled with that great evil of this world: cancer.
In the past few weeks we have spent a lot of time together reminiscing, she and I. Such great times we had together! Such warm memories we have! But as we spent New Year’s Eve together a couple of weeks ago (as we did most New Year’s Eves) we read scripture together and prayed together. We both sensed that we would be apart soon, and we clung together and thanked God for all our good times together and for our sweet friendship. I will always cherish the memories of that evening together.
One thing impresses me about Bonnie. It seems as though she was everyone’s best friend! Bonnie never knew a stranger. And she loved everyone, whether friend or foe. I’ve heard her feel sorry for those who said and did hateful things to her. She knew they would regret it later and she was not about to hold a grudge. She forgave immediately and readily. Oh, if only I could learn to be as forgiving as our Bonnie Sunshine.
I never felt as though Bonnie did not have time for me. Or for anyone else. Everyone was always welcome at Bonnie’s house. And such a refuge it was for me! Sometimes when burdens became heavy for me, I’d just go to Bonnie’s. Most of the time I didn’t even talk about my problems. I didn’t need to. I just needed to feel the warmth of her love and know that with someone, I was just ok and always accepted. Bonnie was my strong harbor.
And oh! Such laughter we shared! And such fun we had raising our children, cooking and canning together, gardening together, decorating our homes together, shopping for clothes together (I didn’t have daughters and I needed the help of hers and still do!), enjoying one another’s successes and commiserating our failures and errors. Bonnie has been a special gift from God to our family, but especially to me and I will always thank Him for this gift.
And now our Bonnie’s gone. I already miss her terribly. But I am thankful that I grieve as one that has that hope of being reunited. I know without a doubt that Bonnie is waiting for me to join her as she sits at Jesus’ feet and is completely healed. And even in heaven, I have a feeling it’s just a little brighter there now. After all, they have our Bonnie Sunshine!!!
Judi,
What a wonderful post about your best friend here on earth. I am tearing up as I read this, knowing what she meant to you and the pain you have felt these last months not having her here. I pray God continues to heal your heart as you lean on Him for comfort.
Love,
Jenni