For Alexis

Lord, we know that You are the God who comforts us. I pray that You provide a time of comfort and rest for those whose hearts are hurting right now. Hold them in Your embrace, Father. Wrap them in Your love and remind them that though they may have lost someone dear, they are not alone, for You are with them. Bring to them the hope of Your unfailing love and turn their sadness into gladness. Soothe their heartache as they lean on You for comfort and guidance. I pray that their grief heals smoothly, for You will be with them every step of the way. May they hold on to You for strength, hope, and sustenance. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 

I learned last night that my friend from high school, Alexis Alexander, just passed suddenly and unexpectedly. She had undergone successful knee surgery and no one though this was going to happen. I don't really have words. We didn't live in the same state; i went to high school with her and admired her then, and so many years later when re-connecting on facebook and learning of the beautiful person that she continued to be on so many levels, admired her even more. Adored is a better word. I loved to see her posts and her cute little dogs. Even her love for LSU Tigers when i could care less about football still warmed my heart. She just made you smile, ya know?

Alexis was the kind of person everyone should strive to be like. I know it seems like when someone dies, all of a sudden that sort of thing is said whether the person really deserves it or not....but Alexis really did. I have never in my life seen such devotion and selflessness towards others, human and animal alike. She was truly a beautiful person. She was active in many charities and she even rang a bell outside Wal-Mart every year for United Way. I remember grinning every time i saw someone doing that at my local Wal-Mart, because it reminded me of Alexis.

She had a lot of dogs. Every single one knew they were the apple of her eye. 

Alexis would give you the protective shirt off her back in a burning desert if she thought you needed it. You would not have had to ask her. She was in many ways like a saint. I admired all of the things she did for others, kind of afar and with likes on facebook...but when i learned of her passing...

i had to ask my mom to pray for her and her mother Ann...

I had to leave the house on my scooter and try to settle my mind...so i set out to go birding and ended up at Sims Park.

And in every beautiful thing i saw Alexis. I took many photographs today that i had no idea were so good until i got home and saw them blown up on my computer. They are beautiful and to me represent the abundance of love and caring Alexis shared with the world. Especially this one, which i am choosing to share right now. That's all i can say.