gifts.

I need to tell you a story. It is about one of my dear kindred spirits who lives miles away.

However, we can pick up the phone on any given moment, no matter how long it has been since we last spoke, and it will be as minutes to us. My kindred spirit is Rose.

Rose and I met through our husbands (in 1992) who at the time were employed by the United States Coast Guard. Woody and Roger were already friends.

Just a week after Woody and I were married, Roger and Rose invited us over for dinner.
This evening will become one of my dearest memories of times spent together. I was a bit nervous, but as soon as I met Rose, she placed my heart at ease. Rose is the kind of lady that you just really enjoy being around. Rose has a way of helping you not to take life too seriously.
And we have had some of THE BEST laughs over the years because of it!

Roger is more like the brother I never had. He is a fine Christian man who is passionate about his family and is head over heals in love with his wife!! I am telling you, if this couple ever wrote a book on the marriage relationship , they would be rich! They have been very instrumental in Woody and my own marriage growth.

When Woody was assigned to a ship, I was a young mother of a sweet little 2 month old baby girl. Which meant he would be out to sea several months at a time, while Katie and I remained at home, alone. The alone part did not bother me, I actually enjoyed it. It did however concern my husband, for the sake of our safety and well being. He just wanted to make sure that our care was covered.

I will never forget the time he asked Roger if he would look in on us and help us if we ever needed it!! I need to pause right about here! Between Rose and Roger, I just don't know how to tell you what an amazing blessing they were to me personally, during that time, as well as to my family. I can recall one evening, Roger driving up to our house and saying, "Ok, let's go!" I had no idea what he was talking about! He grabbed Katie, we locked the door behind us and off we drove. He took us back to their home where Rose had been cooking dinner! We spent hours there visiting, laughing, and eating! That is just one of the hundreds of times!!

One of my VERY FAVORITE type of memories with Rose were the garage sales we would hunt for!! We would hoard our husband's change until Saturday, and then drive all around town hunting for the best bargains!! We lived in an extremely wealthy county, on a USCG salary (not much) and I am telling you, we had angels all around our car. We found the best clothes for our children, husbands and even us! I still drink from a coffee cup that would bought at one of the sales. All the while, Roger volunteered to babysit my Katie and their Kayle who were just 6 months apart in age.

IT. WAS. SO. MUCH. FUN!

Which brings me to a package that arrived today. Unannounced!! The other day I emailed Rose telling her that I wish we could go out spending our nickels and dimes like we use to do. Grab our coffee and be on with it! I did not know that just the day before, she had been to a garage sale and found a little something special for me! That is what came in the package today!
This is my sweet little gift from Rose! She said it reminded her of me! The more I look at the picture, the more I am reminded of her! You see, Rose is also a Christian and someone who walks with the Lord very naturally. Her light shines brightly and she in Christ draws others to her and ultimately to Him. Every time I turn this sweet little light on, I will be thinking of her! Rose is the kind of friend I wish everyone could know!!