Remembering a Sweet Soul

Today, I should be celebrating the life of a friend who lost her fight with cancer with her family and friends…But instead, given current events, her Celebration of Life was cancelled. So, I will write a tribute here. A genuine spirit. A fighter. A lover of family. A true friend. A shepherdess. I will accept you for who you are because I know whose you are type of gal! An example to all of Christ’s love.  My first homeschool contact, and the one who introduced me to sheep. Blessed to have known her. Blessed to call her “friend”. I still see her in my daily life – in the little things. I remember her violent crazy rooster as I observe my baby chicks, and laugh! I remember her love for cats, as my cat purrs next to me… I remember her knowledge of humane and natural practices and medicine for sheep and other animals, as I watch my children bottle feed sheep at their grandparents and as we do daily chores with our own critters…

I will remember watching Kelli and her children herding (sometimes chasing) their flock, as my Herding dog herds my children, the other dog, or the chicks. I remember her patience and hope in light of current events… I remember her love for learning, as I open a book or google an unknown random interest (usually about something in nature)… I remember her guidance to the next generation, as I guide my own children in navigating the books and navigating life in general. I remember her infectious smile…and today, I will strive to make my smile reach someone who needs it… I will have a belly laugh as I remember my car ride back from her house with Hope, Pride, and ram in the back seat. Sheep are such loud creatures… even louder than my 3 two legged creatures that now ride in the back seat. I will choose to also remember Kelli dancing with Jesus, surrounded by woolly creature, with arms wide open… and I will be a better person for I have known such a woman… such a friend. Until we meet again, beautiful friend!