“X”OXOXO

Sister Ann Casper (left) and Becky talking about the Youth Art Contest and Sister Ann’s remarks. She intiated the inaugral event and fostered its success each year. She loved the fact that youth came out to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for the Art Contest! Photo © Diane Weidenbenner

I wish you had known my friend, Becky. She had a great sense of humor, was a wonderful writer and she never met a stranger. She passed away April 25 and will be missed by her friends and remaining family, puppy dogs and co-workers.

Here’s what I learned from Becky:

1. Hawthorn Park, in Terre Haute, Ind., is a wonderful place to take your dog for a walk. It’s also a great place to think when life’s conundrums seem too heavy to bear. There is a great labyrinth, with rose bushes and wrought-iron framing surrounding the thought-provoking pathway. And, a bench to sit and ponder life’s greatest questions.
4. It’s the little things that matter. Friends are an encouragement to each other and it’s often the little things that mean the most. Becky knew I was looking for an antique printer’s tray and she found one at the Covered Bridge Festival and surprised me with it. She’d call when she heard a song that we both liked or when she learned a movie was playing that we both wanted to see. After she discovered YouTube, I’d get links to hilarious videos at 2 or 3 a.m. with the subject line, “I thought of you!”
7. Animals are Christ in disguise. (Matt. 25:37-40). “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? …’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” Becky saw an animal (or person) in need, and she would do whatever she could to help, ensuring that they were out of danger and in caring hands.
10. Music is a type of prayer and worship. My friend, Sandy, and I went to several concerts with Becky and witnessed first-hand, her worship of God through music and lyrics that touched her heart. Lyrics were like poetry for her and music like refreshment for the soul. She communed with God through music.
11. God knows best, even when it’s painful. When she first came down with cancer, I told her that I was angry at God for allowing another good friend of mine to get sick. (This was the third time a close friend had come down with cancer and it was getting old). She was concerned and said that she didn’t want to be the reason that I was mad at God. Although she had cancer which was scary and the outcome was unknown, she believed that God’s best would prevail. It hurt her to think that my faith would be shaken by her illness.
14. Friendships last a lifetime. When she came down with lymphoma, she began ending our conversations or get-togethers with “I love you.” You don’t know how much time you have with friends and family so every moment is to be treasured.
17. She challenged me to be a better person. She was a wonderful writer. She loved people based on seeing the best in them, whether or not they exhibited it. She made me laugh so hard that I cried. She was real. She loved animals with her whole heart. She would give you the shirt off of her back if you needed it, and her shoes, too. She had faith that surpassed her circumstances. She helped me see God in a new light.

Becky, I hope that I can learn and apply the lessons that you taught me. You loved without expecting anything in return. You accepted what came your way with grace and peace. I love you and look forward to seeing you again. RIP, Rebecca Gayle Igo!