for the inspiration of your smile, which reveals your peace and perseverance in Jesus through your suffering.  I have thought of you so many times, particularly after I saw you and Dave at Long’s in Aptos.  I had so wanted to say hello but was side-tracked by a woman who wanted to complain to me about trivial things, and I felt so sad when I turned to see you had gone. 

I had surgery in January this year and have been on medical leave since.  Recovery is slow, and added to some personal stresses, it has been a difficult road, but nothing compared to what you have been through this past year.  Sometimes it’s hard to trust and rest in Jesus, but you have reminded me that God is bigger than my struggles and fears. 

In His Grace, Carrie Thompson