A tribute to a friend's faith

Roommates Donna, Cindy, Diana, and Dayna

     We took at sad trip to St. Louis this month. One of our best friends from college, Cindy Knodel Wilson, died of metastatic breast cancer. She first had cancer at 31 and about 6 years ago was having back pain and found the cancer had spread.

     Cindy had six children. The youngest was eight years old at the time of her second diagnosis—a beautiful boy with Downs Syndrome and autism. From the time of her diagnosis she began her battle to be there for those kids as long as possible.

     There are so many things I could write about Cindy. I think they are all summed up by describing her as a person of audacious faith. I remember her somewhat shyly telling me she was praying she wouldn’t have to wear glasses anymore. I had never thought to pray something like that. In 1982 that seemed kind of crazy, but years later she had Lasik surgery and didn’t have to wear glasses. Cindy always knew God could do anything He chose to do.

     I think because of that faith she saw God do miracles. In many ways Cindy had a lot of hard things in her life, but there was a sense of triumph that surrounded her. She saw God transform her family of origin. It is a beautiful story. She ran a youth drama ministry and was active in adult drama. She had wonderful kids. The list could go on and on.

     Days before Cindy died a group gathered to pray for her total healing. That is so Cindy, a somewhat audacious faith. God didn’t choose to heal Cindy, but she knows He could have. There is so much beauty in her faith. It wasn’t a naive faith. God told Cindy “no” many times. But it was a faith based on knowing God.

With much love, 

My Sweet Mom

     For the last year, my (Barrett’s) mom, Sandra Brown, has been living in a memory unit of a nursing home in Cincinnati. Recently she had a decline in her health and moved to the skilled nursing area.

    We have made several short trips to be with her over the last few months.   Last week I spent 3 days with her helping my siblings figure out what she needs and how to make her most comfortable. Recently her frustration has led her to act a bit contrary to her caregivers, but she is improving.  As we move around the home, she is always looking to greet people and be kind.

     My sister just texted us that she has had a good day, doing well with her physical therapy, including walking.  We all are glad for every good day!

     I enjoyed that she used my name twice while I was with her.  That's something I had not heard in a while. She will say it on her own, but if you ask her directly, she can't say it.  Please pray for her comfort and for wisdom as we care for her. 

She wears my Ohio State hat better than I do.