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Friday, October 2, 2009

Tears

What do i say in a blog like this one? I don't know. But i'll try.

Yesterday i got a call that a very dear friend passed away. She's actually my friend Amy's mom. But i was close to the whole family. Mrs. Helen had Leukemia. But that's not what she died from. No. It was suicide.

I hesitate to go into greater detail than that since it is an online blog. It's not really a secret, but losing someone to suicide is so shocking & horrifying & just, personal. i am just heartbroken. My heart is so heavy for Amy & for her dad, Mr. Bobby & for her daughter, Kinley (who was my flower girl). I just cannot imagine. I talked to Amy today & she just sounds so quiet & sad. And tired. Very tired. You know- emotionally tired. I just want to hug her.

I knew Mrs. Helen was sick, but i thought she had gotten better & i thought her prognosis was looking good. It was only yesterday that i discovered that she'd been really depressed. Mrs. Helen is the sweetest, kindest woman & she is someone who TRULY loves the Lord. But i had not seen her in a few months & i am now finding out that she was not at all herself.

My sister works for the American Cancer Society & she told me how they've seen many cancer patients do this & how that chemo can really affect their brain. I know that Mrs. Helen was not at all the Mrs. Helen i used to know.

It makes me so sad & heartbroken. My mind cannot think of anything but her, her family, what she was going through, what her family is now going through & the funeral on Monday. I have been asked to sing at the funeral. They have requested a specific song that i do not know. My husband is going to play it for me, so we both have to learn it this weekend. I have sung in front of a lot of people before, but never at a funeral. So please keep me in your prayers that i can learn the song, that my husband can, & that we will both be at peace & that i can do it without breaking down. I just need to hold it together during the singing (or it will be a disaster!).

I really wish i had gone to see her during these last few months. No, i do not feel GUILTY, i just feel regretful. If that makes sense. These are dear friends of mine, but man- how precious life is & how we get so busy & do not make the time to spend time with those we love. We assume all will be okay, but what i wouldn't give for just a few minutes with Mrs. Helen.

I was in shock yesterday after finding out. It wasn't till that evening in the middle of rehearsal that the tears came. I am so thankful for the kindness of the directors at the theatre. When i got home last night i was better but i couldn't sleep. So i didn't go to work today because i had no sleep - & i still haven't slept. I just can't get them off my mind.

"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4



Mrs. Helen, Kinley, Amy & Mr. Bobby


Love,

4 comments:

  1. Awww Mel. :( That's so sad... for everyone. I'll be praying for you and for the family.

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  2. Helen Funderburk
    "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18. Helen, wife of my youth, I'm glad we shared the pilgrimage through the Lamb-White days that lead to life, Bobby. Momma, I have loved you for 29 years. You have left Daddy, Kinley and me, but we will see you again. Until then, you will always be in our hearts. Love your only daughter, Amy. MeMe, I love you and miss you so much! Love, Kinley. Helen Funderburk, 62, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. She was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Slaughter. She was employed by LSU Earl K. Long Medical Center as a nurse in the blood bank donor station and had worked for 35 years in other family practices. Helen made numerous medical missions trips to El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru. She spent her life ministering and caring for everyone around her. She especially had a heart for the underprivileged and the troubled. Helen volunteered in several charitable organizations including the Exchange Club and Caring to Love Ministries. She loved participating in the puppet ministry Heaven's Kingdom at her church, Victory Harvest, and touched so many lives with her love for the Lord. Helen was loved and will be greatly missed by all that knew her. The visitation and funeral services will be at Victory Harvest Church, 3953 N. Flannery Road, on Monday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. until time of services at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Terry Workman, pastor, and Jim Rentz, pastor, will conduct the service. Survivors include her loving husband, Bobby Funderburk; her daughter, Amy Funderburk; her granddaughter, Kinley Funderburk; a sister, Jeannette Troescher and husband Mitchell; her brother-in-law, Michael Funderburk and his wife, Linda; a niece, Kelli Funderburk Jordan; and nephews, Shawn Funderburk, Lee Gray and Kevin Troescher. She is also survived by her best friends for 55 years, Denny and Dory Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Betty Anderson; and her in-laws, Ezra B. and Norma Funderburk. Pallbearers will be, Michael Funderburk, Denny Davis, Jim Wilsford, Ron Aker, Shane Fleming, Shawn Funderburk, Kevin Troescher and Rylan Grimmer. Honorary pallbearers are Jeannette Troescher, Linda Funderburk, Dory Davis, Dr. Karen Muratore, Dr. Gilbert Morris and Kenny Funderburk. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Caring to Love Ministries in Baton Rouge.

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  3. Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that suicide is very painful for everyone involved. Please take care and I will be praying for you and the family.

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