Essie

Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Essie Sorenson passed from this life to the next. She spent the last days of her life at Mayfield Manor, where many years prior she spent her time serving others. Essie was a kind soul who never wanted to trouble anyone.

She had the memory of an elephant, the heart of a lion, and the qualities of Christ in every way. Her small frame did not reach more than the height of 5 feet. Her white hair was always styled and she enjoyed spending her time in the company of family and friends.

My dad called me just today to tell me about her passing. It wasn't a surprise because her heath had been failing for quite some time. The past few weeks she had suffered a series of strokes that caused her health to continually decline. They said it would be her last Christmas, and sure enough it was.

I will forever remember her when I curl up into my favorite blanket. One year, for my birthday I think, she made me this blanket. Lois didn't think it was very pretty. The material reminds me of the 60s. One side is a maroon soft, warm, cotton material; the other side is a mixture of yellow, orange, navy blue and red.

It is the blanket I bury myself in at night to keep warm; the blanket I cuddle up with to watch a movie; and the blanket I enjoy most in my house. The blanket may not be the most modern styled blanket, but I know it was made with love by hands that were worn out in the service of her Maker. When they say it's the thought that counts, this is it.

The things we have in our lives may not be the most visually appealing things, but somewhere in time they were made with hard work, effort, passion, and love. We should be grateful for the things we do have, and less worried about what we don't have. Our lives could be spent in pursuit, but what would we have to show in the end? Things. Or, we could waste our lives in the service of Him who gave us everything we have; what better way to show our gratitude.

So, tonight amidst everything else in my life, I curl up in this blanket that was made with love and remember the woman who has touched me so dearly.