For Mandy Busch

Thursday, April 23, 2015

For Mandy Busch

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. We don't know why, but we do know God always has a plan for us. Yesterday, one of those bad things happened to our friend Mandy. Her father passed away of a heart attack unexpectedly. I've always been terrified of that happening to my dad (since he's had like 5). But it didn't, it happened to Mandy's dad.

I don't know Mandy's dad, but I do hear Santa Steve and Mafia John met at a bar one day. That's how they knew who each other was. He introduced himself to my dad and they had a good laugh.

I met Mandy through my sister. We were friends, but became very close when I got diagnosed. Let me tell you, her father did an amazing job raising this woman. She has to be one of the most beautiful, witty, fun-loving, funny, courageous, generous, and patient women I've ever met. Those traits came from someone, and that someone is her father, her best friend. I can only hope that my daughter turns out to be a person as full of life and love as Mandy.

I can't imagine the pain she's going through. Some of you that know us may think it unusual that we are friends, close ones at that. But, if you know Mandy, she has such a kind heart, and you quickly realize why we're friends. There was a small group at my house every day after I got sick, and though she was tired from working all day and lived an hour away, she was there for me and I'll never ever forget that. She and Brad even flew Karley back to St. Simons for me when I was in Atlanta sick. Of course Karley wanted to sit with Mandy. She absolutely LOVES her some Mandy.

She threw my sister's baby shower with me last year. She did most of the work, I give her all of the credit on that one! She's been to my celebration dinners. She and Brad will always be a part of our family. So, when her heart is breaking, our hearts are breaking. I know Brook feels the same way (we've been texting this morning).

So, in closing, please pray for Mandy and her family. And Mandy, we love you so much! And Santa Steve, thank you for giving this world such an amazing woman and such a wonderful friend. You will never be forgotten, Mandy won't let that happen. Emily Dickinson once said, "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality". I really like that quote. Mr. Donaldson was loved, and though he is not with us in the flesh, he will always be in her heart. We know he's in a better place, so hopefully Mandy will take some comfort in that, even though she would rather have him here. He's in a place where there are No more sorrow, or tears, or pain.

Thank you all for your continuous prayers for me as well. And please also pray for Carmen Frye as she gets her results today, my Mom as she plans my uncles funeral, and Roy Reynolds as he fights his own cancer battle. Thank you all so very much. Rest in Paradise Mr. Donaldson.