A Solemn Inspiration

Yesterday I visited a friend in the hospital to say goodbye to her (I didn't think she'd live through the weekend) and to also thank her for inspiring example. It is hard for me to write this, just as it was hard to see her, and again the tears roll from my eyes down my freckled cheeks. I press on though ...

I met my friend JoJo a year ago at school and have had joy to teach her son and nephew at the two schools where I teach music. Miss JoJo was probably only in her mid 40s. She had such a joyful and encouraging spirit; I think she might have been the most consistently joyful person I've ever met in my life. She LOVED ... God, people, and life just to name a few. When I needed someone to pray for me, I'd go to her and she'd pray right there with me. She'd give me hugs in the morning and make sure I was doing okay or encourage me to be that way if I was down.

I cannot help but cry now knowing that I have lost an INCREDIBLY dear friend and kindred spirit. She loved to praise dance, and I know that she is dancing with God now and that He is delighted to welcome her into his pearly gates. Yesterday when I saw her in the hospital, it broke my heart, but I would have regretted to not see her before her death. I realized then too how much of an inspiration Miss JoJo's life and character are and will continue to be to me; in fact, today at school when my morning was going very rough, I remembered how she loved others, and it helped some.

JoJo taught me so many things that will become forever a part of me. One of those things was to have fun. She had so much fun, many times more fun than the kids, in my music classes. She would tell me so and play jokes back and forth with the other staff. It really made the classes more fun! JoJo consistently gave away her joy whether in hugs, smiles, or a caring spirit to others. I think she lived each day to be the encouraging spirit to others; this too is my calling. She loved God and loved to dance before him; I too enjoy giving honor to my Father that way. More than anything, Miss JoJo inspires me to LOVE to the full and overflowing each day with no regrets. She pointed me to God each day I saw her by her love and that too is my calling.

Thank you Miss JoJo for your inspiring life. Thank you for two delightful years of friendship. I will miss you tremendously!!!!!!!!! Thank you for making our Father proud! :)