Rest in peace, dear Joanna

A dear friend was laid to rest today after an eight year battle with a brain tumor that brought her through many surgeries, times of absolute helplessness--not even being able to swallow--to fighting back miraculously to regain lost speech, the ability to feed herself, and get around in a wheelchair. For a while she recovered enough so we could take her out. She had no balance, but was strong enough to walk if she had one of us support her on either side. We took her to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit when it was at the Museum of Civilization and on some other outings.
But then there was a slow decline that led this woman to a nursing home while still in her 40s.

Joanna had an inspiring Christian faith. One night before she was scheduled brain surgery, I stopped by the hospital. Her eyes were ablaze with holy fire and supernatural peace. "To live is Christ, to die is gain."

She lived . . . and went through an ordeal that is hard for all of us who knew her to understand. Why her of all people?

She suffered complications later on, swelling that gave her horrible headaches. She would writhe in pain. But she always thought of other people, always remembering to thank whoever mopped the floor around her bed, or the nurse who cared for her. During this time of headaches, I stopped at NOA, the special ward that is not quite intensive care but close for those with brain injuries. It was already 9 p.m. and her concern was for me, that it was late, and I should go home.

What courage she showed, having to face horrible treatments that would have made waterboarding look like a picnic. One time she had to be fastened, literally screwed to a table with a mask that held her head absolutely still so pictures could be taken of her brain. I was there with her and when she looked at the equipment---all very scary looking--she cried. But just a simple little prayer and she submitted, and God gave her peace and courage so that during her ordeal, she silently sang hymns to herself.

She had to go through that mask thing a second time, and I remember her out in the waiting area afterwards, with the marks still pressed on her face, but she was encouraging someone else who faced a trial.

Joanna, you were such a blessing to so many people. Me especially. What an example you were.

Today, I looked out on my autumn garden and what was there but an Easter lilly blooming. I couldn't believe it! I had taken some lillies from church after their flowers had faded after Easter and stuck them in the garden. And this one bloomed. It tells me you are home safe now, friend.