Four years ago, I started on a journey, that I had never known, and began a life that was completely out of my comfort zone. To say that I was unprepared for this journey would be a gross understatement. To discover feelings and emotions that I had only heard others talk about, has been most challenging, to say the least.
Everyone handles grief a little differently. There are no rules, or steps, that work universally. Each has to find the path that works for them. And finding that path is much more difficult, than I ever imagined.
Grief is a journey, a process, that happens over time. Time does not heal everything, but it does produce a distance, and distance affords manageability. When I came to understand that I would not “get over this,” but I would get to the point that I could manage it, the load was lightened immensely.
And, so from my heart. . .
In the past four years, Vicki, there has not been a day, or a night that you were not remembered. Today, I pause, to not just remember you, but to honor and celebrate you, your life, your gifts, your talents, your legacy.
The world is a better place because you came and you gave. You gave your talents, your gifts, and your abilities, that were birthed inside of you. You gave willingly and unselfishly, without asking for a return. You made a difference in the world by making a difference in one life at a time.
I am a better person because of what you taught me. You were a teacher, not because of a degree, but because of a decree. God carefully designed and destined you to be a teacher, not just in school, but in life.
Vicki, you did not just teach, reading, writing, and arithmetic, but you taught from the heart, things that are not found in books. You taught life-lessons. Every day, in your own special way, you taught others. Lessons that not just taught, but are caught.
Those elementary students are adults today who can read, write and function in this world, because of the foundation that you built in them. Some wrote their first sentence, read their first book, added their first numbers because of you. Not only that, but many felt someone place their arms around them, hold them close, and heard the words, “I love you” for the first time in their young lives.
And you loved teaching God’s Word. Many have a better understanding of His Word and are able to see His love more clearly because you took the time to not just tell them, but show them “Jesus.” God’s love radiated through your eyes, through your smile, through your being. It was not simply your words, but your ways demonstrated lessons that last forever.
There are many who can connect with their head, but few are able to connect with their heart. When you can connect with the heart, you can teach anything. Vicki, you had that innate ability, like no one I’ve ever known, that could connect at a heart-level with people from any, and every walk of life, regardless of their social or economic background. In school, in church, in real estate, in the market place, or just simply at home, you were a teacher of life. And at the end of the day, heart-lessons are so much better and stronger than head-lessons.
Yes, the world is a better place because you came and you gave. You gave what God had given to you, and through your giving, lives were changed.
Much to my regret, I realized too late that I was far too negligent in telling you, “Thank you.”
So, as I pause today to remember, and to reflect, I want to say, “Thank you.”
I am reminded of a song from several years ago that expressed it so beautifully.
One by one they came, as far as the eye could see
Each one somehow touched by your generosity
Little things that you had done, sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth, heaven now proclaims
And I know up in heaven that you’re not supposed to cry
But I was almost sure there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
And He said, “My child look around you for great is your reward.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord, Vicki.
I, your children, and hundreds of others are lives that are changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I’m so glad you gave.
One huge lesson you taught me so well, and I’ll never forget, was “don’t ever stop believing,” and today more than ever I’m. . .
Still Believing!
Ray, your beautiful words express speak so well of the love you have for Vicki. Every woman should be so fortunate to have someone hold her in such high esteem. She is missed by many and her memory is a treasure to all who had the privilege of knowing her, even casually. My heart hurts for yours, and for sweet Melody’s. Big warm hugs and many prayers. Always, Marti.
Thank you, Marti. So kind of you.
So very well said!! Beautiful!!
Thank you, Barbara. Appreciate you.
Radiant!
A word that best describes, Vicki!
She was, Radiant in her love for ,You. Her daughter. Her Family. Her Church. And of course most of all her God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ!
It’s so befitting that she was at one point, the first lady of, Radiant Life Church.
I’m sure that her radiant entrance into the kingdom of heaven was second only to the Lord Himself!
Love my brother!
Thank you, Tony. So true. Love you, too.
Well said Ray she was the best and knew she was loved.
Thank you, Barbara. Appreciate you.
Beautiful thoughts of a beautiful lady. She always had such a radiant smile.
Thank you, Debbie.
Ray,
Vicki loved with all her heart and soul. She loved everyone she came in contact with each day. I’ve seen her love children that some would have ignored. She was my friend and I enjoyed working with her and simply being in her presence. She showed God’s love in its purest form. She is remembered by all of us she left behind. She touched people in a way that most simply cannot. I thank God that He put Vicki in Cabot to help me. Thank you, Vicki for giving to the Lord.
Thanks, Angie. So true.
Ray, so glad you shared this with us, thank you and thank you Jesus for that beautiful lady with the great smile. You can help others walk thru the dark valley now. God bless you.
Thank you, Linda.
Pastor Ray Lowe. You are an amazing writer and Vickie was and is an amazing blessing to everyone that met her. We still use her teaching of the tabernacle today. She was compassionate, considerate, insightful and a true friend to all. I will never forget Vicki or you. I remember the night we sang this song to you both at Radiant Life.
Thank you, Kathy. You are so kind. Wow! Her teaching lives on. That’s awesome. And yes, I remember that night, also.
Such a beautiful tribute to such a beautiful soul! Vickie lit up every room she walked into and her humor and kindness was genuine and unforgettable! She was a blessing to all who knew her! Love you Ray
Thank you, Karen. Love you, too.
Beautiful words for such a beautiful woman. I will never forget her. She taught me so many things without even trying, just in normal conversation and by the way she lived. I find myself sometimes repeating the things she taught me to others.
I remember that song when we sang it to you guys at Radiant Life. Still true today!
Thanks, Carrie. So amazing how her teachings are still living today. Yes, I remember the song, too. Thought it was so fitting for her.
Ray
Lots of wonderful memories from my childhood to adulthood. Vicki was beautiful from the inside out. I miss her smile and laughter. Thanks for sharing your heart and life. Love you all!
Melissa Fetherston
Thanks so much, Melissa. We love you, too.
What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful wife, Ray. Thank you for sharing your heart so authentically. Peace and love to you, my friend.
Thank you, Tracy.
So hard to believe it has been 4 years. I’m certain your words are true that she is remembered every day. Kyra and I have such fond thoughts of the both of you. Look forward to seeing her in heaven.