I sit here and see I have started a few blogs and have not finished...but today...today I watch a video of "a celebration of life"...and sad that I am not there in person but my heart is there...I receive a text from Denise this morning and so glad she and her beautiful voice could be there...
Debbie Boomer Autry...Eva and Earl's beautiful daughter...wife and adored by Kelly...mama to Trent, Kimbra, and Whitney...grandmother to Zoe and Morgan...but to me...my beautiful friend who could make me laugh so hard...Blessed to know this part of this woman...my mind flashes so many memories friend...
I really not sure when I first met Deb? I think PTA and Fun Friday's and going through life raising our kids...but then there comes a time you just connect. It was these moments that the friendship starts...and then just like that...a forever friend...
My life highlight reel of Debbie is full. Full of laughter, tears, memories...Some pictures I have captured but many just there in my heart. A favorite was my daughter and I sitting next to her and Kimbra at Sonic...and Debbie with that accent trying to order extra ICE...you know for her Dr. Pepper. And she is spelling it through the speaker with the other end trying to understand and Debbie getting frustrated. Heather and I laughing so hard as she says, "ICE, I-C-E"...if you have heard her say it...you know what I am saying. And I still just start laughing as I hear her saying it...and then can hear her say, "Ya'll are bein ugly!"
Her "twin brother" my husband another story in and of itself...regarding Olive Garden...dry salmon...a manager coming to check on it only to go to another table and so Deb in her southern voice calling the manager over letting her know it was in fact her salmon that was "dryyyyy". And she getting a complimentary meal and so Tim starts saying well what about his. I jokingly tell the manager that they were twins separated at birth...which then the manager believes...and so Deb keeping that straight face just goes with it with a story to tell. Her eyes twinkling and I of course as usual just laughing uncontrollably.
Her and Denise and I became special friends...I remember a Crowley County days they decide I should run for school board and begin my campaign throwing pennies from the car...my side still hurts from laughing...and with those two on your side...well I made the school board...Mr. Earl sightings...We three the "honky-tonk angels"...I more of the audience laugh track as I didn't wear my bow...watching on as we go to the Alamo Bowl and those two convince someone that they are singing during the Bowl game. Of Debbie finding a name tag on that trip in which she became "Jane" our tour guide! Oh one could just wind a little and watch her go. Many special Friday nights...nights taken for granted that we would be going out to eat or running a concession stand...One of Deb's favorite places...Felisa's...and I find one of the three of us together...a little foggy but the three of us together...
We shared lots of laughter...but also other moments...raising children...weddings...loss of parents...and so much more...Probably a favorite memory was Whitney's wedding in Vegas...I was asked to take pics of before and after wedding...I put together a video...inspired by when we were watching the water fountain. A fun and happy time...and I say to her family...remember these...
The last time I remember talking to Debbie...we talked of where we were in our lives. Laughing about there being tents available in Denver and we could be neighbors...I laughing thinking that a homeless community would never be the same with her organizing and motivating everyone...and then a message from Kimbra...to pray and what was going on with her mom...then texting Deb only to get a reply from Kelly saying our girl is sick. But thinking oh Deb...she always so tough...so alive...she will be better soon! And then the call...the call that you don't want to get...the call that says she is gone and how you do not know what words to give as comfort because you are hurting yourself...and the tears still fall as I still find it hard to believe...oh my beautiful friend...I so thankful for your friendship.
I often get sights...pictures that remind me of someone...someone who has left...the day after finding of Debbie's passing...I was following my husband to the mechanic...we were traveling slow. We came by some water that has some amazing views...and the fog was beginning to build and so I held up my phone and clicked...dirty window and all...yet this picture and the fog reminded me of we do not know what lies ahead...and though there is darkness and out of focus...there is more...there is blue skies and because of Jesus...a place called Heaven...and so I came across this verse...that I know my friend has conquered...and the words to "In Christ Alone" I include...
As I was in the shower this morning...this song came to mind...an older song...but we might be a little older...but I think that we share a faith...a love for Jesus...and so I know I will see this beautiful friend again. I picture her in Heaven...singing away...and I think...friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them...
So I will see you later my friend...and to your family...I love you all so much and my heart is with you...may you have many moments of laughter...love and prayers...love you my friend! lyp
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