Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Dear Paul, Justin and Elizabeth, and the rest of her family,
I was surprised and deeply saddened to learn of your wife and mother’s death. The last time I saw her (in charge of snacks for the jr. high youth group), she was--as always—intelligent, lovely, glowing, serene.
I met Laurene many years ago, at Mr. Emery’s Bible Club in Weymouth, in the company of her big sister Gladys and her big brother Wesley (who later married my friend, Paula). Many years later, I was pleased to meet her again at North River Community Church, long after reading a great piece about her in the Patriot Ledger. She took my breath away then, and again, with her amazing courage and grace in the face of an illness that would devastate any ordinary person. But she was extraordinary--her strength and beauty, her generosity, the peace she radiated...What an inspiration she was (and is) to me (and I know to countless others). Her example renewed my own flagging faith in a Jesus who loves me, and will remain with me through all the difficult times in my life (so minor compared to hers)!
I know it is small consolation as you face life without this beautiful woman, but I want you to know what a gift she has been in the way she lived her life—she was so brave, and had a spirit of such great courage, dignity, faith, hope, and generosity. You will never know how many people she has inspired and touched with the love of Jesus (at least on this side of Heaven). She proved there is a reason for faith in a living Christ.
She was so beautiful, and her life was too brief. I pray that the God who cradles her now, comforts you--her beloved husband Paul, and her precious children, Justin and Elizabeth--in the sad days ahead.
She will never be forgotten!
You are in my prayers,
Brenda Charrier
