A Tough Week
Linda Soller | Nov 10, 2025
Some weeks just feel tougher than others. We look ahead on our calendars and sort of dread what is coming. I’m not talking about dentist appointments, although I had one of those as well. It was a week of two funerals. Normal life had to happen, but with the addition of two farewells. Some of us are better at letting go than others. I think time teaches us how to do it better, but that doesn’t make it easier.
The first funeral of the week was for a long-time family friend. She always had a smile for me and made me feel like I could do no wrong, just one of her gifts. I’d known her since I was in first grade. I can’t really remember my world without her in it. I currently drive what used to be her car. Every time I drive anywhere, she is with me in spirit. But she had been very ill, and I’d prayed that God would not let her suffer long. I was surprised that I had no tears, but aware that all of my memories of her were good. What a gift Tinka had been.
The second funeral was a High School friend. We were not besties, but we were friends. This man had played football on one of the teams my dad coached, and I remember Dad thought highly of him. It was no small feat to get Dad’s high opinion. There were five of us fellow classmates there. Which is pretty impressive considering it has been fifty-three years since we graduated. Each of us shared a memory. It was so special to see his wife and two children smiling as we shared our stories of their dad before they even knew him. Again, it wasn’t so much sad as encouraging. Tony had been an encouraging type of person.
God has given each of us special gifts. Some are more obvious than others. Our job is to use those gifts. When we do, God can use them as well. We often touch lives in ways we can’t imagine. My October left on a sad note and November entered on one, yet as I reflect, I find myself smiling. I feel thankful.
Be strong in the Lord and be kind.
Linda
