Remembering Connie
I know I am a very wealthy person. I count my assets in friends. I have many who are all around the world. Some I have lost track of. Some are already in heaven. Some were for a season and some are forever. One of my best friends is a Constance Josephine Lewandowski Degrafft. She is one of the most talented people I have ever met – she can sew and cook and craft and garden and win at Scrabble and cards.
We went to England together in 1986. We met the Sheppards, ate haggis and drove on the wrong side of the road. We were great traveling buddies! Connie got me a stainless teapot (from one of the hotel rooms we were staying in)- she filled it with British teabags and brought it home in her suitcase for me!
We were neighbors in Downey and it did not take long until we became family. They already had 5 kids of their own but they genuinely included Jim and I as “their other kids”. As a new bride I learned a great deal from Connie (and Earl). They were generous and kind. They lived out their relationship with Jesus in everyday sorts of ways. I will be forever grateful that God gave me the privilege of friendship with these 2.
I hate goodbyes. I look forward to the long hello of heaven. So, until we meet again, I will treasure the memories and remember the woman who made rhubarb squares, braided rugs and wrote regular letters. My friend Connie. You changed my life. I love you!
Yesterday was your birthday and today we celebrate your life.