My tribute to a friend

Allean Bailey was a friend of mine and a long-time member of our church.  She passed away last week after a long battle with cancer.  I’m quite sure she never read my blog, nor any other web site.  Here is my tribute to her.

Oh, Allean, how can there be a Morrison Hill Christian Church for me without you? After all, we joined the church on the same day, way back in May of ’88 – you, me, Howard and Cindy. Mr. Hackett received us at the front of the church and welcomed us all in. Having you up there with us was an important vote of confidence at the start of our ministry.

It didn’t take long for me to feel close to you, to come to consider you as a friend. In age, we were two generations apart, but we were much closer in more important matters – faith, first and foremost, but also in sense-of-humor and the enjoyment we got out of picking on one another. How many times did you tell me that my sermon tapes worked for you better than any sleeping pill?

I always admired your strong faith and your mature character that enabled you to face tragedies and setbacks with peace and serenity. I saw this when Howard passed away a dozen years ago, and I saw it in your own long struggle against cancer and the devastating effects of treatment. I never heard you complain or ask “Why me?” You trusted God, and that was enough for you.

I don’t remember exactly when it was, but it seems like it wasn’t long after my own Grandma died that you began telling me at the end of every visit or phone call “I love you” and pulling my face down to give me a kiss on the cheek. I loved you for that. Without really intending it (I’m sure) you filled up a hole in my heart.

The last time I visited with you was on Halloween afternoon. You offered me candy, of course. I thought you looked better, stronger, healthier than you had in a long time. I hope this means that your last couple of weeks were good ones and that the illness that finally took you home was brief. But no matter the case, that’s over now. I’m sure you faced all that with the same strong faith I always saw in you. And now I don’t need to worry about you at all because I know where you are. You are HOME. Put some candy out for me. I’ll be along eventually, and I’ll bring along some of my best sermon tapes.

I love you Allean.

Your preacher and friend,

Dennis

November 26, 2007 · Filed Under Friends, MHCC

Comments

2 Responses to “My tribute to a friend”

  1. Kristen on November 27th, 2007 12:20 pm

    Dennis, This is a beautiful tribute!

  2. Follower on November 30th, 2007 9:53 pm

    Your tribute to Allean touched that place in my soul where the memories of those I loved who have passed on live. Thank you for sharing and for being you.

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