I've been meaning to write this for some time since David and Elizabeth's wedding.
I arrived at the Nashville restaurant just in time for David and Liz's rehearsal dinner. I saw Phil for the first time in years, then David. I never had the opportunity to speak with Linda. I checked her out often from a distance, of course, and she is a lovely looking woman, much to my disappointment. I was hoping she would look old and hard, but no. Shelley looked better, though, radiant as usual, and she and Jack were wonderful hosts at the dinner.
The next day was the wedding. I am in tears everytime I tell anyone in my family about this. The only way I can describe this is to say that the Lord had raised Shelley to shine like a little star, (I don't mean a little Hollywood star--a real star) , so at peace, so gracious and high-hearted in her cheery way. She just literally shone in regal beauty, especially as she and David danced their exquisite little dance together during the reception. I saw a picture of the queen of Sweden once, and I kept thinking, "Shelley is our queen of something glorious."
I think we all have an idea what that something glorious is. Left as a single mom when her children and her family were her highest dreams, she struggled hard to squelch the bitterness and vindictiveness to which she was so entitled, for the sake of her children. She always put their best interests ahead of her own feelings and worked hard to provide the best home possible. She asked the Lord for the strength to do these things, and he answered mightily. Lster, He brought a wonderful man into her life that appreciates her as her sister thinks she should be appreciated--for her loveliness, her excellent sense of humor and her character.
Do you all remember the part in Lewis's Great Divorce, when in heaven a procession of angels goes by with a glorious woman leading the procession and the main character asks "Is that the Blessed Virgin Mary?" The angel says, "No, that is Sally Smith of Golders Green."
Shelley is our Sally Smith of Golders Green, our queen.
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9 comments:
This is such a sweet tribute to Shelley. What a bunch of Wise Old Sisters!
Wow, Aunt Jeanne, thanks for that lovely description of my mom (I'm sitting here all misty-eyed reading it for the third time). I think she's pretty awesome too...
She IS a queen, so does that make me a prince?
Well said Jeanne! That was worth the wait. I wasn't there but feel like I was because I know everything you said is true and I have have seen and felt the same way. I have no doubt God will say to our Shelley, "Well done, good and faithful servant".
That's my favorite chapter (12 +13) in the Great Divorce. Remember her husband (the tragedian) consumed by self-pity and a master manipulater?
Dear, dear Jeanne, I wrote a previous comment that is lost in the universe somewhere. I am overwhelmed by this tribute; you were there! You know I wasn't this merciful and gracious! I blundered my way through with the Lord's grace and your (my whole family's) support and encouragement and prayers. You gave it to me then and see? You are still giving it! You guys would have done the same thing, and you have, with the things that come up in your lives. I love you all!
This is true sisterhood. What an example to set for all of us siblings and cousins. I hope we can support each other like you all support each other.
Hey Shelley, I know for a fact that I would not have done the same as you did. I am being disciplined by the Lord right now. I will write about that on the blog. I see you got your cheery face on the blog. I am the last to figure that out.
I was a mess at our weddings! No, Shelley you were remarkably unselfish and self-controlled! Be thankful for that trait!!!
I'm not sure why Julie invited me to read this blog, but the dinner she, Laddie, and I enjoyed this summer in Colorado was really meaningful.
Of course, I have loved all 4 Schaap women since the day we met, and Shelley in particular will always be special and beloved.
I know each of us experiences heartache in life, and each has the opportunity to feel entitled to bitterness, as Jeannie says, or to find the grace to move in mercy.
Thanks, Shelley, for being an example of grace.
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