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An amazing addition to God's family

This morning, I checked my email, only to find some devastating news.  My girlfriend sent me an email to let me know that her cousin's wife, Ivana, who had become an acquaintance of mine, had passed away this weekend.  Awhile back, Ivana had begun a blog and that was how I found out that she had been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue.  I was in shock, but every week, checked her blog to get updates.  Because we weren't the closest of friends, I wasn't sure how much I could inquire or if she even wanted anyone to inquire about her health, so I stuck to following her blog.  http://udontstopbelieving.blogspot.com/   I figured Ivana wanted me to know and that was why she sent me the link.

After shedding some tears and saying quite a bit of prayers for Ivana, my girlfriend, and their families, I began to think of the few times I even spent with Ivana.  All of the times I had ever spent with her, were always at my girlfriend and her husband's house, at family parties, games nights, etc.  I began to wonder why I felt so connected to this person, whom I hadn't known for very long and only seen every once in awhile.  Well, if you knew Ivana, you'd get it.  She is an amazing person.  From the very first time I met her, you could tell she was happy, genuine, caring, and passed no judgements upon other people.  Another thing I noticed about her was that she was so in love with her husband.  They "oozed" of love and I loved that about them.

Although I saw her less and less, I was able to communicate with her via email and for that, I am so thankful.  I am thankful for the few physical memories we shared, but even more thankful for the words of encouragement she always gave me, whether it was about my marriage, work, etc.  (She was a follower of my blog and always had time to give some sort of positive feedback via email.)  It's amazing that regardless of having only spent minimal time (physically) around each other, that I can love her just as her closest friends and family might.  Maybe that's just the beauty about it- she had the ability to make anyone feel like they were family.

I realize now that knowing Ivana was an opportunity for me to meet someone genuinely good, true, and loving.  I know that her family is probably so heartbroken, but in the midst of the mourning, I can't help, but think that for all of those whose lives she's touched, Ivana is just another angel to watch over all of us.  What an amazing addition to God's family. 

God Bless,
Kat

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