I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? (v. 1)
ANNETTE
There are times in life when the burden seems too heavy. We some-times forget we don’t have to carry the burden alone. God is there for each of us and will help us carry our burdens.
I want to tell you about Annette, a young woman who had a heavy burden. Annette suffered a rare genetic skin condition. The condition and the treatments ravaged her body. Still, she faced the world with courage. Annette was 18 or 19 when I met her. She was dating our neighbor’s son. I did not realize I was in the presence of greatness.
I attended their wedding a few years later. I saw Annette occasionally over the next several years, only in passing.
Annette regularly visited my premature grandson at the hospital in 2000. She looked as if she had sunburn, and she had lost most of her hair (side effects of the medications). She was not prone to self pity. Her eyes were shining and her smile was beautiful. She was positive, warm, kind and caring. I believe it was then I realized I was in the presence of greatness.
She became critically ill in 2004 and was hospitalized about six months. She was finally released to go home to her husband and 2-year-old son. Two years later, in August 2007, she once again suffered a serious illness. She was in and out of the hospital over the next few months. She entered the hospital for the final time at the end of November.
Although Annette’s burden was heavy, God was there to help her carry it. He surrounded her with people who loved her. Her devoted husband was at her side each step of the way. Her faith never wavered. Annette touched many lives along the way. Her beautiful spirit was a light to others.
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for Annette and for her life. The beauty of her spirit has been an inspiration to so many of us. Thank you for the comfort and assurance you give us in life and the knowledge we will be coming home to you in death.
Judy McDiffett
