Friends

Last night, I read on Facebook that my friend, Vicky, had died on Monday evening. This morning, I want to take time to remember her.

Though I don’t remember her from when we first moved to Joliet when I was five, I know from a picture of the congregation at First Assembly of God, that Vicky was a contemporary. We didn’t go there long as we moved to another town and went to another church. When we moved back to the Joliet area, we once again started going to church at First.

First Assembly had a vibrant youth group. Mama taught the teenage Sunday School class and hosted many parties in our home. Among the group was Vicky Duncan. She, my brother, Steve, and I formed a trio. We would perform at church and competed in our denomination’s fine arts competitions. In matching dresses. Not Steve, but you know what I mean.

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Vicky found her true love, Jim Haley, and I got to be a bridesmaid for the first time.

Through the years, we met Jim and Vicky in various places they lived and enjoyed short visits each time. I can’t locate those pictures at the moment.

But I always will remember Vicky as the chief encourager of my writing.

Way back in the day, I wrote a musical for preteens/teens. Growing Up God’s Way was a production at First Assembly that had a large cast and an even bigger cast of adult helpers who pulled my fat out of the fire! Vicky encouraged me along the process with cards – those were the days before our interaction on Facebook. When she flew to Joliet from Oklahoma – I think where they lived at the time – I was blessed and humbled. She and her Mom did some last minute coaching of the lead girl to help her get just the right sassy voice inflection the part required. When the deal for publishing it fell through, she encouraged me to keep writing despite my disappointment. I gave up writing for a few years, but finally produced another musical, Spotlight on Bethlehem. I also worked on books I never finished.

Years rolled by, and I began my blogging. Vicky and I corresponded on Facebook and an occasional phone call. She and Jim got many an SOS due to my technological ineptitude. She would always respond to my comments on my blogs. I knew I had a faithful reader in my old friend who was still encouraging me to write.

Then came the diagnosis. I prayed for her more than daily. I thanked God for her friendship. I prayed she would last forever. I made her a muumuu in colors reminiscent of our look alike singing ensembles. I even found some shoes to match. Not the fitted style of our earlier dresses nor the tiny little heels we used to wear, but it brought back memories as I sewed. Definitely a more comfortable ensemble for this stage of our lives. I made myself matching pj’s and had matching shoes. Since I wear things till they fall apart, I’ll probably wear my outfit until I pass on as well. And I will always remember Vicky.

I often wrote my blogs with her in mind. I would write in my certain ‘voice’ knowing she would giggle. Or do a head palm. She didn’t have to comment on each blog. Even her little thumbs up emoji inspired me. I’ve kept some of her notes to me through the years, and the last one I’ve kept on my desk … handy for when I needed a lift to carry on. It will be even more precious to me now.

Vicky had a strong faith in God. I know she is enjoying heaven this very moment. I will miss her for a while, but I’m sure I will see her again.

Blessings to all her family.

Kara Beth

The featured image was Vicky’s last Facebook profile picture. I can imagine her giggling with Jesus.