You know how sometimes someone comes into your life and changes it forever? My mind and heart has been longing for a good cup of coffee with one of those. This Lady, with the beautiful name of Charmaine (Char). When I first met her, I would have never known she would become one of my favourite individuals in this world and very best friend.
On January 11, 2024, This sweet woman was carried away from this earth and way too young. Such a big hole left in every man and woman's heart that she was ever part of.
This woman lived and breathed everything she believed in. She wasn't perfect and she didn't try to hide it. An apology wasn't something she was scared or too proud to give.
Every time I went to visit her, she would have a guest bedroom made up for me with a candle lit and a sweet gift and note written out full of prayer, scripture and encouragement.
Many time's I find myself in a moment needing advise, or wisdom, and my heart always longs to be able to pick up the phone and call her.
She was a woman of kindness and love. Always digging into God's word and praying fervently for those impressed on her heart. At the end of every mont, she would text me and ask me what places of my heart and life, she could make note of and lift up to our Heavenly Father for that month.
Fervent Prayer, was a massive part of her life. Her little "prayer closet" was full of study books, bibles, and the walls were lined with pictures and written out prayers for all the ones she prayed for daily.
I lived with her briefly in 2020-21 and the time she would spend in there, advocating for others and praising the most high God, was inspiring.
She should with such and sparkle that couldn't be anything but from God.
One of my favourite things was her cute cheekiness. She never passed up an opportunity to let out some quick whit or a funny joke. Her eyes would light up when she was proud of you and she always had words of encouragement accompanied by her two eyed wink with such a cute lil scrunched up nose.
I know her life was filled with ups and downs and was by nose means easy. But she was a warrior spirit. Whenever she talked about her kids, her face and soul would light up. Unless one of them was hurting, she would try with all her might to carry that hurt for them. She was relentless in her pursuit of Jesus and never stopped talking about him. In seasons where I was struggling with something or wondering in my faith, she would sweetly rebuke me or hug me and tell me she loved me any but to pretty kindly tell me to pull my head out of the sand.
I had a very brief, partying few moments while living there, and one Sunday morning, after drinks with friends, definitely didn't have any plans to get up early enough to go to church.
Sweet, gentle Char texted me that they were about ready to head out and wondered if I wanted to come as well. I made the excuse that the hangover was hitting me hard enough that I didn't want to be seen in public. Her cute response was, "you know, you're still going to feel just as crappy at home as you will at church." Truth. I couldn't deny it. So I drug my bones out of bed and went to church with her. And it honestly gave me something that I wouldn't have had, had I Stayed home. Quality time with this beautiful soul, accompanied by some quality soul food and conversations afterward with her.
There was never a time that I didn't love talking with her. She was joy and light to be around. Even when her hard days would come, and despair would try to take root, she always came out the other side applying whatever lesson or truth she may have learned. The amount of times I would see her ask for forgiveness when a harsh word had been spoken to someone, or seek reconciliation with someone who was upset with her. She wasn't perfect, but she sure wanted to have the heart of her Saviour. It was evident.
She loved going for evening walks and sometimes we would leave whatever task we had at the moment when the sun would just begin to set, and we would walk down to the pond or out along a beautiful tree lined backroad. We would laugh or sometimes cry, walking and praying and talking about hopes and dreams and the things that weighed our hearts down.
Char's house was her place of rest and comfort. She always had her home decorated for the season with essential oils and candles everywhere. It was a refreshing place to be.
One summer we found a fruit truck from BC and bought a whole bunch pf peaches to can together, I am convinced there is something special about baking, cooking or canning in a kitchen with your friend.
The meals we made in that kitchen or bible studies we shared on the island.
Early mornings I would be up studying quietly at the island, papers strewn all over it's surface. one morning char came down the stairs and came up behind me, placed her hands on my shoulders and started to work the tired and aching muscles around and in my neck. My stress level over a paper would be ridiculous sometimes, keeping me up way too late and up very early. "You're shoulder's are like rocks Cheyenna!" She said in surprise. "You need to let this tension out of your body, girl".
She was always looking to help and improve others lives.
I wish I could say just one more time that I love her. Or tell her how much I miss her. Call her up and chat about my new job, home and thoughts/dreams of the future. To get in my truck and drive the two hours it would be to go visit her now... But she is not there... but for her, that is ok.
She has been freed from this painful body of death. Resting in the presence of the truth King and God's of creation. The one who created her to be so big hearted and gentle. The one who filled her soul with wonder and drive. The ability to make things work in the hard times.
Char is not here, but the impact she made on my life is ever present in my heart and mind. To live with an ounce of her purpose is more that what I've experienced most people having. To always strive to do better, learn more, and hold your felt to an ever raising bar. That's the goal...to grow closer in fellowship with the God's who loves you, and to change your life according. For your health, for you loved ones, for those in need who may cross your path
So to the wisdom and changes in my heart, friendship and perspective on being there for younger women, is thanks to Char and her big big heart.
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