About 3 weeks ago Melody and her family had a group in their home to celebrate a couple of their children's birthdays. Our two sons along with another young man have been best friends for 10 years now. That evening she pulled me into her bedroom and said she had something for me. Opening her closet she took out a box and said, "Here this is for you." I was thrilled and touched with her gesture of kindness. In the box was the plaque shown in the photo above. I find great joy in lighting the candles. It is a beautiful reminder as we come and go through the back door.
Melody loved to give gifts.
It was the last gift she gave me.
I hugged her and blinking back tears said,
"Thanks for being my friend too."
She hugged me back and then looking me straight in the eyes whispered,
"I will always."
Melody had saved fabric from her bridesmaid's dresses 23 years ago, planning to have a special outfit made for their 25th wedding anniversary.
Melody had saved fabric from her bridesmaid's dresses 23 years ago, planning to have a special outfit made for their 25th wedding anniversary. A few weeks ago she mentioned getting the fabric to me so I could make her funeral dress.
Saturday, July 11, she told her husband to get the fabric from her hope chest and give it to me. They asked me to come up with a design. On Sunday when we talked about the dress, I promised her it would be perfect.
On Wednesday, a beautiful round silver rhinestone necklace with the letters "MOM" lay right in this spot on the bodice.
And so, that is all I could do for my friend, the last gift I will give her.
As I have matured in life I have learned that when losses come like this, our friends and loved ones who are prepared move from our present to our future.
I will see her again.
Yes Melody, "I will always."
Love, Rachel
Saturday, July 11, she told her husband to get the fabric from her hope chest and give it to me. They asked me to come up with a design. On Sunday when we talked about the dress, I promised her it would be perfect.
On Wednesday, a beautiful round silver rhinestone necklace with the letters "MOM" lay right in this spot on the bodice.
And so, that is all I could do for my friend, the last gift I will give her. As I have matured in life I have learned that when losses come like this, our friends and loved ones who are prepared move from our present to our future.
I will see her again.
Yes Melody, "I will always."
Love, Rachel
I love the scripture verse on the plaque she gave you. And what a beautiful gift you gave to her family - a dress they knew she wanted you to make for her. Sweet friends!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
Love, Esther
Oh Rachel, what a wonderful gift. I know your heart must be breaking at the loss of your dear friend. I'm so, so sorry.
ReplyDeleteClaudia
Well, that certainly touched my heart deeply, sugar. What a tribute to you. I'm sure she was much loved by you also. Very sad.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Connie
This is very touching - you did a wonderful thing. Nothing can replace a good friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Day!
Bev
Oh Rachel, what a beautiful gift. Friends can never be replaced and yes, you will see her again one day.
ReplyDeleteBig hugz,
Michele
Rachel - I'm so glad you shared this story of the gifts. I remember thinking - 'what a beautiful dress' when I saw Melody last Thursday, laid to rest. Now, I know the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treasure YOU are! Such a sweet friendship that will continue through eternity! And isn't that what LIFE in Christ is?
You did a beautiful job on the dress. I know your heart must be heavy and that heaven is even sweeter than before for you. Thanks for sharing the details. Melody sounds like a very precious friend.
ReplyDeleteprecious memories, precious expectations...you are blessed
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching post! Thank you for sharing this story with us. I also know what it is like to lose a close friend. But what a joy to know you will see each other again someday.
Blessings,
Sandi
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI do not have many words for this post, but please know I am with you in thought and prayers. Your last gift to Melody is beautiful as is your endless friendship.
Much love, Tracie
I am so very moved by this post ... what a wonderful friendship & love you shared. The gifts you both gave to one another are beyond comment ... Hugs at this special time in all your lives. TTFN~ Marydon
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift Melody bestowed on you. Through it you will continue to cherish her memory. And what a dear friend you are. There is nothing more precious than a gift made with love and your hands for a friend. I am sure you stitched many a tear and many a remembered shared laughter into the dress. Memories are shared love no matter where we are. God Bless YOU.
ReplyDeleteDear Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI know all your hearts are sad because of Melody being gone from your presences. Knowing she is present with her Lord, makes our loss bareable, knowing we will see our loved ones again.
The dress is beautiful.
Have a wonderful day,
Love you, Donnie
What special gifts for best friends to give. A wonderful memory for you to have displayed to remind you of her daily.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is so gorgeous, must have been bittersweet to make knowing what it was for, but something you could do for a last request. I'm sure it helped you to be able to grant that wish for her. Thanks for sharing all this with us.
I had a best friend die 15 years ago from ovarian cancer. She asked me to help her plan her funeral and speak at her funeral. It was hard, but I was happy to do it for her.
Katherine
P.S. - What is the story of the twin white/with black blouses you both have on in the post below?
Rachel...I know God was with you while making this dress. I know for certain...I can SAY for certain I would not have been able to what you did if not for the grace of God...
ReplyDeleteI think you are a wonderful friend. I so wish I knew you better...
Love, Rebecca
HI RACHEL, VERY TOUCHING! KEITH
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to make this beautiful dress for your special friend. I am sure that you will think of her each time you look at that last touching gift that she gave to you. Those kind of friendships are blessings from God...Such a sweet,sad post. So sorry. XXOO
ReplyDeleteWeeping....it's so sad to lose a wonderful friend, isn't it? One of my very dearest friends died six years ago....I miss her every day, still. She was the sweetest, most honest person I've ever known.....God bless you as you journey through the heartache and loss of your dear friend. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Spencer
Oh, that dress and the story behind it is lovely and bittersweet. What an honor to be asked to make that and yet such a sad occasion, too!
ReplyDeleteThat wall ornament she gave you is just beautiful! What a lovely reminder of your beautiful friendship you've had with this woman and that in The Lord you will be united again! :)
Oh my. I can not even begin to imagine what that was like for you to make the outfit for her. It is beautiful, and it is perfect. A beautiful final gift for your sweet friend, Melody. I am in awe at your strength. Melody sounds like she was a woman who will defintely be missed but someone I know you were better for knowing. A great friend is so hard to find and can never be replaced. I know she is smiling down from heaven right now.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you!
Heather
Wow! What a wonderful/poignant story. How neat she asked you to make her special dress for her - you are so lucky to have been able to express love to her in that way.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a wonderful FULL life she lived. Again, wow.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteIm so sad to hear about your sweet friend... You both shared a special gift together, the prcious gift of friendship. I know she is looking down on you smiling sweet Rachel...
Warm hug, Jo-Anne