Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Very Special Friend

I have a super-sweet friend, who happens to also be a Mary Kay Sales Director, named Linda Balas (who we lovingly call "Mumsy"). Yesterday Sandra & I met with Mumsy to share lunch with her at P.F. Chang's. Mumsy & Sandra have suffered what no mother should, in losing all of their children in a tragic way, early in life. Mumsy is the only person I have ever crossed paths with who shares such a similar tragedy with Sandra & David.

Mumsy lost her daughter Renee to lupus, just five weeks after Renee gave birth to Mumsy's grandson, Trevor. Then, just four years later, her son Bryan continued to struggle with the loss of his sister. After encouragement from those around him, he sought counseling to help him cope. Doctors gave him an anti-depressent drug to take that ended up causing more mental anxiety for him. Shortly after, Bryan took his own life.

Sandra was also able to share with Mumsy about losing Brad's older brother, Brett during the heart/lung transplant and then talk in more depth about Brad's recent passing.

Mumsy is such an inspiration to me. Her spirit of love, despite unthinkable challenges, continues to inspire me every time I am in her presence. I know that her children must be so proud of how she continues to live her life in their absence. I am so grateful that God has brought Mumsy into my life for a time such as this. I continue to learn so much from her.

10 comments:

Trish Osborn said...

I am so glad too Jen for you and Sandra. We need to surround ourselves with as much inspiration as we can. As always thinking about you.

Anonymous said...

God always surrounds us with certain people for a reason. We may not know at the time(or ever know) the reason. I am so happy you have such a wonderful support group!! Keep your eyes on God and he will provide!!

Much Love!!

Anonymous said...

And we continue to learn much from you! :)

Perks said...

Wow! Now that's a trio of amazing women. Wow! May you each receive abundance of blessings and peace...

Thinking and praying for each of you.

da momma said...

Yall are all so beautiful! May God bless your hearts as you learn to stay strong. BIG HUGS Love the new song on your blog

Lisa said...

What a blessing to have ladies like this surrounding you. Praying for you daily.

Dorothy / Bubba said...

God always takes us to or brings into our lives people we need at the time we need them. You are all amazingly strong women. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you richly, Dorothy & Bubba Kay

Renee said...

In faith we stand together to support one another. In faith we turn to Him.

Know that you are surrounded by the loving prayers of so many who walk in faith.


Praying without waiver.

Linda said...

I am so glad you, Sandra and David have the love and support of such wonderful friends and family. But you, too, are such an inspiration to so many that you unknowing witness. You are an amazing lady, Jen! May God continue to richly bless you, your beautiful children, Sandra and David, and hold you close in His loving arms. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Anonymous said...

You are such an inspiration Jenny. You have no idea how many lives you touch with your faith and kindness. By reading your blog I can tell that you are genuinely a sweet person. You have inspired me to become a stronger Christian and better mother and wife. Your kids are simply adorable. Brad must be so proud of you.