An incredible person was laid to rest today. My dear friend Anne Creager died a few days ago and her funeral was today. She fought a long hard battle with Melanoma. As my friend Holly put it, she had cancer. It never had her. Anne was an amazing person. Truly an angel here on earth. We met 10 years ago while we were in Cleveland for Brandon's Dental School. I was a brand-new wife. She helped me so much in those early days of our marriage... I didn't know anything about how to find a job, or pay bills, or make a resume... She taught me so much. She helped me with my resume, she spent hours helping me in my job hunt, even referring me to her boss when she was quitting her own job. She gave me a great idea for a bills organizing system, which I used for years. She was a good friend. She took care of me when I had my wisdom teeth out and no famiy around. Brandon and her husband Ward sat next to each other in their lab and worked together often. She (with help) threw me a "teaching shower" because everyone had had baby showers while I was there and I never got a chance to have one since I never had a baby... How sweet and thoughtful was that? She made us Chicken Divan for dinner one day (which I will share the recipe for at the end of this post) and I remember being so impressed. I plan on making it later this week.
But besides all of that, what I will remember the most about Anne, is her amazing testimony. She had battled this cancer for some years now, and through it all, I have always been in awe of her testimony and strength. Many many times I remember shaking my head hardly being able to believe the things I was reading... "I'm so grateful for..." "I know it's in the Lord's hands..." She just never faltered. She strengthened my testimony with every letter and blog post. I'm not very eloquent with words, but did want to share a few things that are in my heart. I am so grateful for the knowledge that Anne and her husband and their beautiful daughters can be together forever. I know that God's Plan is true, and works and that I will be able to see Anne again. Anne's testimony is mine as well... this is the end of her last blog post.
"I may be healed by herbs or Avastin or something else I haven't found yet. I have no doubt that if it is Heavenly Father's will, I will be healed. But even if I'm not, I have to admit that I feel at peace. The last month has been fraught with panic and frantic anguish, but now I feel differently. I trust Him. I look forward to asking WHY all of this had to happen. I'm not going to ask it now, because I know that He can see the whole picture and I know that whatever His will is, things will be okay. My girls will be okay because they have Ward. I know that Ward will be okay because he has them. And we all have each other--FOREVER--and that's what really matters."
Like I said, amazing to the very end. Total trust in Hevenly Father, and absolute faith. I will continue to strive to be more like this amazing woman. I am sad for her passing. That is sure. But I am also so grateful to have known her, and grateful for having had her in my life. I'm so grateful for the things she taught me, through word and mostly through her actions. She really was an angel on earth. I love you Anne.
This is a picture of Anne, Ward, their daughter McCady, & Brandon and I at our goodbye party at the end of Dental School... 2004
Anne was also an amazing author. Here are links to a couple articles in chruch magazines she wrote:
Here is her blog address - take a few minutes to read a bit about her journey through her struggle with Melanoma. Its truly amazing.
Take a few minutes today to appreciate the precious people in your life. Let Anne's passing be an opportunity for you to look for the little things, love a little longer, and be a little better.
Chicken Divan
by Janae Smith, from Anne Creager
2 10 oz. pkg. broccoli (cooked)
3-4 chicken breasts (cooked with meat removed)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 C. Mayo (Anne says you can use less)
1/2 tsp. curry powder (again, Anne says you can use less)
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 C. Sharp American cheese (shredded) (That is how I wrote it, but I think its supposed to be Cheddar cheese)
1 TB butter (melted)
In casserone dish, arrange broccoli then put chicken on top of that. Mix rest of ingredients together and put on top of chicken. Then bake @ 350 for 1/2 hr.
Enjoy a meal with your family tonight and think of Anne.
6 comments:
I am so sorry that you lost your friend but please remember that you will see her again soon. I am happy to hear that she made such an impression on your life, hold to those memories.
I too have a friend that is currently battling cancer and is only expecting to live 1-2 more months. It is so sad when they have young families. It really hits home and reminds me just how precious life really is.
Thank you for your sweet words. It is fun to think of her taking care of you and also throwing you a "teacher's party". I had left Cleveland by that time, but can only imagine the fun you all had together. It is amazing to think that one person can have such influence on so many people. It makes me want to be better in all aspects and have a positive influence on all I come in contact with. I will have to make your recipe this week also :) Thanks again for sharing!
one thing this heartache reminds us of is to be grateful for eachother. and for me, that surely includes you.
hugs
Wow, she sounds like a wonderful person and made me wish I had met her. Thank you for sharing your experience with us about her. Good people can make you feel like you want to be good too, doesn't it?
Thank you for sharing about your friend. I have had the opportunity to read her blog, and I too am grateful for her sweet testimony.
One of my greatest fears is that I will someday be taken from my family, I have nightmares about it often. I honestly think that after reading your friends testimony I can let some of that go. What a remarkable perspective.
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