Remembering a Friend
I think I probably met Trudi sometime before I heard that she was trying to start a women's retreat for the New England Presbytery. Trudi hunted and hunted until she found a retreat site in Massachusetts. I'm not sure when the idea entered my head to volunteer to be a workshop speaker. The topic of friendship seemed to be a natural and fortunately I had discovered a book that covered the important Biblical principles on the subject of friendship. I was one of the "insiders" as Trudi began to do an amazing job of organizing everything about how the retreats would function. She with a few other women worked on registration procedures and many other details. We were blessed to have a woman in our presbytery who was a gifted speaker. It didn't take long before it was obvious that the retreat was a success. It has continued to happen every year. Trudi years ago ceased to have an active role. Recently I heard that she died. I'm sure she was delighted to go even though sad at leaving her loved ones behind.
In 2002 my husband and I moved to Virginia. I was a workshop speaker every year until we left New England. Each year I would volunteer to speak on some topic. In the middle of preparing my workshop I would seriously question why I had ever volunteered to do such a difficult, time consuming project. Although I was not in constant contact with Trudi, the occasional cards she sent me provided much encouragement. She let me know that she appreciated my ideas, and efforts on behalf of the retreats. I was certain of her prayers. I never knew when one of her encouraging notes would appear in my mail.
I knew I was not the only one she sought to encourage. By the second retreat I began to bring her note cards or stationery every year. Even the most diligent of note writers needs to be encouraged also. Trudi always acted like she was so surprised and delighted when she received the gift. She didn't seem to understand that she had given me and other women the far greater gift. Her encouragement was priceless. It wasn't just her cards. I watched as she quietly greeted women at the retreats. She usually greeted a woman with a warm smile and an outstretched hand and often a hug. One year when I was particularly nervous she sat through a practice session of my material and still listened to it when I gave the workshop.
Even though Trudi spoke well of her husband, children, and grandchildren, I did not know her in those roles. I never experienced her as a pastor's wife since her husband had already retired. I knew her as a sister in Christ, and a spiritual mother. The time period I knew her was short, and I'm sure other relationships she had were more central in her life, and yet her quiet steady influence will never be forgotten. An appreciative loving heart and a ready pen, what powerful tools in the hands of our loving heavenly father.
In 2002 my husband and I moved to Virginia. I was a workshop speaker every year until we left New England. Each year I would volunteer to speak on some topic. In the middle of preparing my workshop I would seriously question why I had ever volunteered to do such a difficult, time consuming project. Although I was not in constant contact with Trudi, the occasional cards she sent me provided much encouragement. She let me know that she appreciated my ideas, and efforts on behalf of the retreats. I was certain of her prayers. I never knew when one of her encouraging notes would appear in my mail.
I knew I was not the only one she sought to encourage. By the second retreat I began to bring her note cards or stationery every year. Even the most diligent of note writers needs to be encouraged also. Trudi always acted like she was so surprised and delighted when she received the gift. She didn't seem to understand that she had given me and other women the far greater gift. Her encouragement was priceless. It wasn't just her cards. I watched as she quietly greeted women at the retreats. She usually greeted a woman with a warm smile and an outstretched hand and often a hug. One year when I was particularly nervous she sat through a practice session of my material and still listened to it when I gave the workshop.
Even though Trudi spoke well of her husband, children, and grandchildren, I did not know her in those roles. I never experienced her as a pastor's wife since her husband had already retired. I knew her as a sister in Christ, and a spiritual mother. The time period I knew her was short, and I'm sure other relationships she had were more central in her life, and yet her quiet steady influence will never be forgotten. An appreciative loving heart and a ready pen, what powerful tools in the hands of our loving heavenly father.
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