Among my many blessings I count long-lasting friendships\u2014two women especially, who are like angels in my life. On an October day in France, I was with them both in a wonderful way, something I could have never anticipated.<\/p>\n
Mireille has been my French pen pal since high school, 60 years ago. In 1989 I visited her in the seaside resort of Croix de Vie. “Would you like to see our lovely church of St. Croix?” she asked as we wandered through the village. It had been a long time since I’d gone into a church for something other than a wedding or a christening. “I can’t find God in churches these days,” I said.<\/p>\n
Mireille knew that the hardships in my life had gradually come between me and my faith. Then one morning, strolling on my own, I felt a strong urge to step inside St. Croix.<\/p>\n
The ancient steeple towered over the village, pointing the way to the church nestled behind the marketplace. I simply couldn’t resist its pull. Why am I doing this?<\/em> I wondered, opening the heavy wooden door. My eyes adjusted to the darkness as soft sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows. Instantly I was at ease.<\/p>\n I walked slowly up the aisle, enveloped in a mantle of silence. I was alone in the church. Childhood memories stirred, and I slipped into a pew. Most of my life I had been devoted to Jesus. Why have I stayed away for so long?<\/em> I thought. I had so much to be thankful for. Children. Grandchildren. Mireille and the other angel in my life, my dear friend Bev back in New York.<\/p>\n Bev and I had married brothers, and our families grew up together. I loved her like a sister. She was dying of cancer.<\/p>\n “Dear Bev…” I whispered. I’d been reluctant to leave her for my trip to France, but she’d insisted I go. That was so like her. She was always loving and generous. I’d hugged her good-bye and said, “Wait for me. I want to be with you at the end.” Now my words seemed selfish. “Oh, Lord,” I said, “that really wasn’t fair of me, was it? Asking Bev to wait.”<\/p>\n