Remembering Bonita...

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.

~Abraham Lincoln~

Hi everyone...I had to say goodbye to a special person this past week, Bonita S. She passed away December 1st after a long battle against cancer. Now I won't go into detail about the type of cancer that ultimately claimed her life or the importance of regular screenings, etc. I want to focus on Bonita: the kind of person she was, the kind of life she lived, and the impact she had in the lives of others.

Bonita had a smile and a personality that lit up a room. If you didn't see her coming in, it wasn't long before you knew she was there. She truly left an impression on anyone who had the opportunity to meet her. Bonita loved kids and donated her time to the Youth Ministry (and several others) at the church. However, her heart was her son Kyle. She raised him up to be a wonderful young man. Even as her health declined, Bonita continued to attend his sporting events. She didn't let the cancer stop her from living her life. Bonita lived more in her years than someone who lives to be 90! She lived each day to the fullest. She had a caring and generous spirit, and instead of focusing on herself, she would call someone else up just to see how they were doing. 

Bonita was strong-willed and strong in her faith in God. When she wasn't in the hospital, she continued to come to church services even if she was in pain or not feeling her best. Now although Bonita's life journey is complete, her impact will continue to live on...In the few years I knew her, she taught me how to love more, to give more of myself, and to live more fully in the present, as that is truly all we have. 

Rest in peace, dear friend--we love you and we'll miss you!