Thankful for "those who show up" in our lives.

My friend's mother passed away and tomorrow she will be laid to rest. I have known him since high school daze and I remember his mother as always being "present." What I mean is she was the kind of person "who showed up." The kind of person who thought to ask "How are you doing?" She remembered the bits and pieces of your life when you barely remembered them. I thought of who she was today while in church. It was Youth Sunday at our church and traditionally the Youth group takes over all aspects of music and worship and the graduating seniors give speeches of farewell and gratitude. This year, more than one said thank you to the congregation for asking "How are you doing?" I thought about how much I love these young people and how much I will miss them. These fine people always contribute so much to the life of our church and our church is richer and fuller because of them. I think about my friend's mom and how much she will be missed. She filled her family's life with laughter, attentiveness and service. She always asked "How are you doing?" and "Are you hungry?" We usually were "fuller" because of her. She took very good care of her son and all of his friends!