Good morning…
Last Friday night, I received this text from a friend. “At a Rally Foundation event,” she wrote. “The DeShetlers just won a trip!! God’s handiwork!” (As you likely remember, Audrey DeShetler’s fifteen year cancer journey took her to heaven in June, ten hours shy of her twentieth birthday).
Texting with Jennifer and our Fab Five friend group, I wrote, “By the way, Jennifer, did I hear that you and Ben won a trip?”
“We were at The Rally Foundation fundraiser,” she explained. “They had a ‘golden ticket’ raffle and we won! I couldn’t believe it when our names were on the big screen. I was in shock because we have never won anything before. Ben brought the tickets thinking it’s for donation anyways. I then bursted in tears because I was thinking about Audrey. She completely rigged it to let us win!! 😇.”
“What is in store for you with you winnings?” a friend asked, and Jennifer shared their itinerary. “Discover Thailand With Delta One and Delta Vacations – Experience the pinnacle of island luxury with a six-night stay in a Beachfront One-Bedroom Villa with private pool at The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket. Nestled on a secluded island surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, this exquisite retreat blends natural beauty with refined sophistication. Enjoy daily breakfast, guided Phang Nga Bioluminescent Bay and Sea Canoe Tour and a tour of Phuket Island.”
“I have never been to Thailand or been in first class flights!” Jennifer gushed.
“This sounds so wonderful,” I replied. “Audrey pulling strings for you, so you can feel her joy. She’s also pulling strings on the football field as Notre Dame is winning right now. When will you go to Thailand?”
“Ben and I stayed up last night looking up YouTube videos of Phuket. It’s a bunch of islands that is mostly national park. It’s beautiful. The rain season is May -October so I want to avoid those months. I remember telling the Rally Foundation founder Dean Crowe I never get any signs from Audrey (I also told her I am ok with that, knowing Audrey is also soooo busy with every second of her time). Dean told me this is THE sign from Audrey ❤️.”
“I must agree, one sign of many to come,” I gushed. “She doesn’t want to keep all the joy in heaven!”
Then on Tuesday, more joy from Audrey arrived courtesy of Notre Dame, where Audrey spent a semester her freshman year. “This came out today,” Jennifer texted. “It took me a long time to watch it because I kept having to stop the video. Can’t hold back the tears.”
Might we live Psalm 45:17 (VOICE) like Audrey did? I will make sure your name is remembered by all future generations so that the people will offer you thanks and praise now and forever.
Enjoy experiencing your own tears of sorrow mingling with your tears of joy as you watch this amazing tribute to Audrey, who lived to make God’s presence known with every ounce of her vibrant life.
…Sue…
