Today I went to a memorial service for my good friend, Nancy.
When we first moved to Clearwater for my husband to be a minister at Northwood Presbyterian Church, I began hearing about Nancy Johnson. Eventually I asked someone, “Who is Nancy Johnson?”
“She’s a good friend who moved to Naples to live near her daughter.” I could tell that everyone who knew her was sad she had moved.
Since we live near the ocean, friends from church sometimes have a party on a boat to celebrate their birthday. It could be a couple of hours on a “cruise” with food served or on a pontoon boat that takes the group out to explore a small island.
At one of these parties, someone I hadn’t met sat down next to me. We introduced ourselves to one another, and guess who she was? It was Nancy Johnson!
“Finally! I have heard your name so many times, and I finally get to meet you!” She was surprised to hear that people had mentioned her often and missed her.
She had returned to live in Clearwater, and her friends were thrilled! After a few months, I got to know her, and I knew why people enjoyed her so much! She was delightful — funny, wise, adventurous, and intelligent.
She was 25 years older than me, but that didn’t matter. We enjoyed lunches, movies, book club, and more with friends. She enjoyed deep conversations about anything you wanted to talk about. It didn’t matter if you were on the same side of a discussion, which we sometimes weren’t. We each shared our thoughts and discussed them. Even if we thought the other was out of her mind on something, we left our get-together in good spirits!
We had plans.
With a group of friends we were going to take tap dancing lessons. Weekly, we were going to get together with people and go to movies, plays, dinner. I really miss her.
One thing she was insistent about was that I was going to write a book about my experiences as a home health social worker. Since she had been a nurse for many years, she appreciated my stories. I guess in a way her idea has come to be through this blog.
Today as she was celebrated at her service, this verse came to mind —
“…for we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?”
Nancy’s aroma brought life to those around her. And I am thankful God put her on my path.
Pam Means
What a lovely memory of your dear friend! Put me in the presale list for your book!
Thank you Vicki!
She was indeed a unique woman with a heart of gold and her very own opinions. I think one of Nancy’s best qualities was being in her presence and hearing her talk about her work and her strong opinions. She was definitely loved by many, strong in her faith, strong in her spirit and strong in her love for her friends. Miss her so much. I bet she and Jesus are having some great conversations!!
Beautifully written as always. I miss Nancy so much. Her stories were captivating and she is missed by everyone. Thank you for this story….she can never be replaced in our hearts!!
I wish I could have known her.