Extravagance!

A story of love so deep it took my breath away!

As I mentioned, we have been appointed to CnC. We no longer go to Oz.

Yesterday, Hugsum had a funeral in Oz for a precious saint who lived past 100 years old. As he was leaving the funeral another precious saint approached him. I've shared about her before and her extravagant love.

Charlene is about 95 years old. She is uneducated, but a pure heart and she loves deeply. She crochets and gives it all away. Her former pastor shared about a family who had no TV. She gave them hers. She listens to the radio and her record player.

Her husband died after they had been married for 13 years. So, she has been a widow well over 50 years and maybe even 60! Her activities include the simple things in life. She plays cards, crochets and takes care of her dog.

Through the years she has loved me. Sunday after Sunday she has some little something to give me - a card, a bookmark, some banana bread ("I forgot to put the sugar in it, but you can just sprinkle some on it when you eat it."), a pot holder, a book, a calendar, etc.

Her last name is Kendall. I have a granddaughter named Kendall. Some how, Charlene got the idea that my granddaughter is named for her. Charlene never had children and lives alone, but always wanted a little girl. So, she began sending gifts home to to her. Things like stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books, etc. Occasionally, she would bring me something "really special" that I was to take care of for her. Once she brought me a very old vase that her husband had given her with flowers. It has the Lord's Prayer on it and it was treasured by Charlene.

Our last Sunday, she gave me a plastic bag all wrapped up tightly and told me to be VERY careful with it. It was to be given to Kendall - ALL to Kendall. I was told this was special and to make sure I took care of it. It was a "porcelain" heart box filled with butterfly pins and necklaces.

So, this brings us to yesterday. I did not make the trip to Oz and she was looking for me. She approached Hugsum very serious and solemn. She held a sealed envelope tightly in her hand. She looked him straight in the eyes and gave him strict instructions. "This is a very special gift and it is very special and valuable. I want you to give it to Merrie for Kendall. Kendall is too young for it now, but Merrie will know when she is ready for it. I want her to know that I gave it to her and that I love her."

Oh... another thing, Charlene always signs her notes to Kendall saying, "to Kendall, love Kendall". She has taken on her last name as her first so that she can reinforce their connection.

Well, when he handed me the prized envelope, I opened it, gasped and sobbed. Charlene had given Kendall her wedding rings! I have seen Charlene with the rings on all the time. I could hardly breath at the extravagance and sacrifice of her love for a little girl she has never met.

These are some of the treasures: A picture of Charlene playing cards, a note, the heart box, some of the butterflies, and the rings.

Mind you, it is not an expensive ring. It is not really valuable to anyone but her - and now me.
How do you say thank you for something like that?