Her death was not sudden; we'd known for some time that her cancer was not responding to treatment. This was my first personal experience with a lingering illness that could not be cured. She was far enough away that I was not able to help in her daily care, but we stayed in touch enough that I was able to be a part of the process.

There were all sorts of blessings during her illness. The greatest blessing was how she faced her illness and death. There was not time spent wishing things were different, there was acceptance. When she knew that there was nothing that the doctors could do, because of her faith, she naturally turned to God. By her example, all of us who were close to her grew.

In the hospital, she spent most of her time talking with Jean, in the next bed, about God. Jean did not know about Jesus. At her request, Derenne told her Bible stories and shared her faith walk. When it was time for Derenne to go home, Jean said, "I think God sent you here for me. I was so lost and afraid before you came." Derenne told me later that she was glad to know that she had brought at least one person to Christ during her life.

Once at home, she gathered her immediate family and spent individual time with each one. During that time, because of her attitude and their faith, they were able to tell her, each in their own way, how much they loved her. She in turn was able to tell them the same. She began to get cards and letters, some from people she hadn't seen since high school, each one telling her how she had touched their lives and strengthened their faith during her life.

In my own life, Derenne's faith touched me. Harrison and I tried to call her each weekend to chat a little. We also made pictures to send. But, how do you tell a seven-year-old that this isn't a "get well soon" kind of illness? The only way I knew how to do it was to talk openly and honestly. In our talk (which lasted on and off most of one day) Harrison and I covered lots of subjects. As he asked deeper and more reaching questions, we talked about dying and heaven, about cancer and HIV and AIDS and our friends who are HIV positive. We talked about my struggles with addiction and how it is also a disease that only goes into remission, but is never cured. It was an awesome day.

After Derenne died, there wasn't a funeral. Instead, there was a Celebration of Life service. I noticed that most people left the service, in the same mood as I did. Rather than being overwhelmed with sorrow, I was uplifted and felt as if I had spent one more hour with Derenne. I guess that is because she had the time to plan every detail of the service. Several people commented, after the service, that it had made them realize that they need to reset their priorities in life.

Even in death, Derenne was working to win a few more souls.

Prayer: God who comforts us, Help me to know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that what you have for me when I die is so wonderful that I can leave this life with my eyes focused on you, that there is no need to look back. Let my faith be a beacon of your love that touches others as I walk through this world.