Remembering Cheryl — A Friend Resting in the Lord

A few days ago, a sudden message left me in deep sorrow — our dear friend Cheryl has passed away. The moment I heard it, my heart ached. It felt as if a gentle chapter of my life had quietly closed.

I plan to write my article to honor her life and bring a quiet peace to my heart.

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Thoughts and Memories

I’ve been thinking of her these past few days. Every year, I send her a greeting card— for Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving — without fail. In the past, she always replied with a warm email, or sometimes even a handwritten card in return.

But last year, she didn’t respond. I thought perhaps she was too busy, or maybe her house was full of guests. I never imagined that silence would be the last message she left me.

Cheryl had long struggled with chronic illness. She once told me that she lived each day leaning on faith and the Lord’s grace. William had also kept in touch with her and knew that her illness couldn’t be cured but could only be managed. The virus had weakened her muscles, making it difficult for her to move. Yet even in such hardship, she never complained.

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Love and Devotion

What I admired most was Randy. Since his retirement, he had devoted himself completely to caring for Cheryl. Their love and devotion to each other through all those years remain one of the most beautiful examples of marriage I’ve ever seen.

Thinking of him now, my heart aches for his loneliness. I will write him a letter and send a card — to let him know how deeply we care.

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Friendship in the Lord

I often tell my son and daughter-in-law about Cheryl and Randy. When I write holiday cards, I always include their names — and my little grandson’s — because they are believers, too. Our whole family is grateful for the days when we were supported and cared for by friends like them in a foreign land.

During our most difficult time, it was Cheryl and Randy who guided us closer to the Lord. They prayed with us, encouraged us, and strengthened our faith. Their kindness and steadfast faith shone like a lamp in our darkness.

They planned everything, offered their support, and stood by us. Such friends are rare and precious, especially when you live far from home.

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Eternal Rest

Now that she has left this world, all we can do is remember her in prayer.
I believe the Lord has already opened His arms and welcomed her home.

May Cheryl rest in perfect peace in heaven.
May her gentle smile shine forever in the light of the Lord.

And for those of us still here on earth —
may we continue to walk our journey in love and faith,
until that day we meet again in our heavenly home.

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Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for blessing us with a friend like Cheryl.
Though her earthly journey has ended, her kindness and faith continue to live in our hearts.

Please comfort Randy and their family. May they feel Your peace and presence even in sorrow.
Teach us to cherish those around us and to live lives filled with love.

May Cheryl find eternal rest in Your kingdom,
and may our remembrance turn into gratitude, resting in Your gracious hands.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.