She smiled for Kristine :-)

I want to tell you about my friend. Kristine Bennett is a good friend of mine. One of my best in fact! The Bennett's were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood when we moved in 4 1/2 years ago. Kristine and I served the Young Women in our church together. She has always been inspiring to me. She has Parkinson's, but it has never stopped her from serving. She's been through a lot in her life... and she taught the girls from her experiences. She gave inspiring, and courageous Sunday lessons. She didn't let her Parkinson's stop her. She was patient with herself, and the girls learned from that. The other leaders and I always found it amazing that she could attract so much focused attention (from teenage girls no less!), with such a quiet voice. But the girls loved to listen to her. She truly has a gift. 

When I lost my Aunt Mary, (who I helped take care of, and who I loved very much) Kristine was there to help me through it. And when she lost her husband, I found it healing for me to help her go the the grocery store. She thought I was doing her a favor, but she was doing one for me :-)

Kristine inspired me by working diligently on her personal progress (it's a goal-setting achievement program for spiritual growth). She often asked me to sign off her assignments which were always typed up. She worked so hard on them. Today she informed me that she has finished :-)

Kristine has always been so thoughtful of my children. They love her. Whenever she would get in the car for one of our shopping trips she always asked Michael and Sarah about their little lives. And Max loved to talk to her too. He called her "titine" :-) One of Max's favorite things to do is play in the teepee that Kristine gave to him (it was hand-made for her son who is now 18). Also, she and Sophia have something in common. It's called dystonia (uncontrollable movements, it's neurological). They have a very special connection because of this trial they share. I was relieved when Kristine confirmed that dystonia is not painful (just annoying sometimes).
 
This morning we were out for a walk and noticed that Kristine was moving. We've known this day was coming. She's going up north to be closer to her daughter. She gave me one last message (she was also a diligent visiting teacher) and we cried a little. She walked over to say goodbye to Sophie in her stroller. I lifted her up so Kristine could kiss her. And as a final parting gift Sophia showed her  how she smiles (3 times!) :-) :-) :-)

Kristine we are going to miss you!

Kristine and Miss Sophia :-)