Here is a small tribute to a dear friend whom we have known for a life time--literally. Hana and Kathy grew up in the same apartment, went to the same schools, joined together and we had the privilege of living together with her and her family for over 8 years living in different countries, crossing oceans and changing continents. Just recently, February of this year actually, we split up to follow different dreams.

It’s amazing how so much a part of you a friend becomes, and regrettably, we only realize this when that person is gone. We know we love them and care for them but sometimes fail to let them know this when they are close. Then for on reason or another, your roads part and you each follow your own path to fulfill the destiny that the Lord put before you. Then you realize just how much they really meant to you.

Well, it happened that way with us. The road together was not always the easiest and hardly perfect, but that is what makes friendships so special. The imperfections draw you closer together. You realize the human, frail side; the embarrassing tears, the lonely heart cry, the little idiosyncrasies; the nagging obvious faults that you have endear you to this amazing person instead of frightening them. It was that way with us. We could say anything and we knew the other would not shun us for it. We didn’t even have to talk and we knew what the other was thinking or feeling. Such a relationship is heaven sent!

We thank God that we were able to share that time of our lives with such a wonderful friend!

Thank you Kathy for being there for us! --And still being there actually, over the chat and the phone, whenever we need you and can catch you…Ha. You have probably changed our lives more then you, or even we, will ever know. Thank you!

Following is a poem that I had dedicated to her many years ago, when our families parted for what turned out to be a short time only, and I found it still holds true and so, at the risk of being redundant, I wanted to post it here for her again, slightly paraphrased for a snugger fit.

Farewell

A love like yours is not too common
Except in a Family like ours
It’s a tie that’s true and can’t be broken
It’s that which makes it so hard.

Like the unequaled beauty of the rose,
A flower liked by all.
Yet many with their unheard sorrows
Are crushed for their sweet perfume!

So as gold must be passed through the fire,
To see if pure gold it is,
So must we separate as God must desire.
To see what fruit we will bare!

So know my good-bye I bring before you,
It is not eloquent
But from my heart I assure you it’s true

To our dear friend… Farewell.