As I sit here mulling over the life of Esther Collingwood,I realize I didn’t really know her that well. Our primary connection in the last couple years was through Facebook. And yet, I feel such a keen sense of loss.
Esther’s kindness to me
One morning at Church, this friendly lady came up to me and gave me a card. She said, “I teach a children’s Sunday School class, and they made this card for you.” She hadn’t even known me! Either someone had told her of my physical challenges or she noticed me in my wheelchair at Church. That was our first meeting. From such a small beginning began a friendship that spanned a decade and tied us together even though it was mostly through the internet.
I’ve never forgotten this beginning. What an impact such a small act made on me. That someone who didn’t even know me would think about me and take the time to have the children make a card! What an encouragement that was!
Esther’s life
At the time of our meeting, she was as able-bodied as anyone. Since that time, she experienced the death of her father, an almost-move to Alaska, and a divorce necessitating a move.
Then a few years ago, she began experiencing very strange symptoms. To give her doctors credit, they did a lot of testing and sent her to specialists. But never to a neurologist. I never understood that, as what she described on Facebook sure sounded neurological to me. So, I referred her to my neurologist last year who quickly diagnosed ALS, an unusual kind. Not what any of us wanted to hear!
Esther was one gutsy lady. She worked through all of this, even working a few more months after the diagnosis. Even though she hadn’t been able to talk clearly for a year or more, her co-workers – who must have been special, too – worked around the problems so she could continue on her job. She lived with her son, Mike, who took care of her. They both wanted to move to Alaska, where Mike came from and she always wanted to live. But it was not to be.
She went downhill very fast, finally joining her Lord and Savior this morning. Her son said she went peacefully. The last few months were very tough on her.
We offer condolences to Mike and a big vote of thanks for all the care he gave to her.
What lessons can Esther’s life teach us?
- Notice people around you.
- Take some of your valuable time to perform an act of kindness.
- Follow up – in person, by phone calls, through social media – to keep up with them.
- Continuing noticing them.
- Pay attention to what’s happening in their lives.
- Ask how they are doing.
In closing, Esther impacted my life beginning with a small, seemingly inconsequential act.
Have you looked, really looked, at the people around you?
- Does he just need an honest, “How are you?” acknowledging his person-hood and presence?
- Does she need a little help – a door opened, a book picked up off the floor, help with a coat?
What can you do?
God bless you as you look and help!
