My friend Annie

My very favorite coping mechanism is denial. It is how I get through a tough day without breaking down. It is how I am able to care for my kids without dwelling on the fact that there is another family out there today who is missing their mom.

My friend Annie died last night from pneumonia. I wish I knew all the details, but then that might snap me out of the safety of my denial. I received a short email yesterday morning to pray for Annie because she had been taken to the ER the night before and was in the ICU hooked up to a ventilator. I prayed hard. Then, I got another email telling me that things looked grim and the doctors were saying that she had a 5% chance of making it. Thus began my shock. All afternoon and evening long I felt like God was sitting on my chest as a reminder to pray with every breath. I was in panic mode prayer. Then, late last night, just before shutting down my computer, I received an email telling me that Annie didn't make it.

I met Annie about 3 years ago at MOPS. We sat at the same discussion group table for 2 years and she really impacted my life. She was an incredibly vibrant woman with absolutely NO fear of sharing about Jesus. She lived life to the fullest and was always the life of the party. Annie homeschooled her kids, was the puppet lady at Awana and was very involved in MOPS.

There is nothing like the death of a friend to make you evaluate your relationships. Whenever Annie and I saw each other at MOPS, we took the time to chat a bit, but it was rarely anything too deep. There just didn't seem to be the time. Now, we have no time at all.

I know that Annie is just partying her heart out in heaven right now. Please join me in prayer for her husband and 3 children, whom she adored.