Trudie
My cousin Trudie passed away this morning. It was expected but, boy! was it ever unwelcome. However, we all anticipate seeing her again.
Trudie was the daughter of my mother’s first cousin, making her my second cousin. We never met, but we have spoken to and prayed with one another on the phone, shared many, many text messages, and even exchanged gifts.
Last April she sent me a lovely book, First We Have Coffee by Margaret T. Jensen. It was one of Trudie’s favorites and now it’s one of mine. She was thoughtful like that.
When I started this blog in August of 2020, she responded with a sweet and encouraging note immediately, and continued to do the same each time one came out as long as she could. I speak occasionally, and when Trudie became aware of that, she wanted to listen to something. I sent her a link to a recent (at that time) sermon and she was so thoughtful as to ask for more. She won’t know until heaven how cheering and encouraging that was to me.
And it’s those kinds of stories being told by friends and family on a Facebook page dedicated to her. She phoned, wrote, prayed for, and gifted people. She went on mission trips, she cooked, she taught, she commiserated. She shared herself, generously.
Many of us want to do right by others, want to give of ourselves, want to do what is needed in the moment, want to help, want to encourage, want to be there when circumstances require. However, not all of us move at these promptings. Trudie did, and I praise God for her presence in my life. It wasn’t as distant as the actual miles between us might suggest – nearly 1,500 – what with modern technology and all.
Still, it wasn’t close enough, and I so look forward to actually meeting Trudie in the kingdom and getting acquainted over the eons of time stretching out before us. All of her loved ones no doubt are anticipating the same gift of her time. We may have to stand in line.
In the meantime, I remind myself that, truly, “The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.” Anyone can intend to do, say, go, and invest time, effort, and energy. Not everyone acts on these intentions.
Trudie did. Thank God.
6 Comments
Beth
Such a sincere and beautiful tribute to our beloved Trudie’! Thank you so much cousin Carolyn. She did share herself, and she certainly shared the gospel of our savior, Jesus Christ. ❤️
ckarlstrom
She did indeed, and I may have taken that as a given and not placed the emphasis on it that I should have. What a good and Godly woman! I feel so fortunate to have “met” her and most certainly to have (actually) met you as well. You’re in my prayers . . . 🙏🏼
Nancy Hoppe
That is a beautiful memorial to Trudie, it sounds like you were both
blessed to know each other.
Thank God for the blessed hope we have to be reunited, and to get
to know so many more new friends.
ckarlstrom
Yes! Won’t it be the day when this reuniting takes place?! I can hardly wait. Thanks very much for your kind words. Blessings upon you, my friend. I miss you!
Marlys Schraven
Well said Carolyn, I feel like I know our second cousin because of your tribute to her and all our FB messages with Beth. So happy we all connected and continue to learn more about our families past. Thank you and may she Rest In Peace ❤️
ckarlstrom
Thank you, Marlys. Yes, those arms of the family we don’t know, or barely know, seem to be the finest of people. I’m so glad I’ve been able to meet Beth and get somewhat acquainted with Trudie without meeting her. But I’m eager to!!