I've really been avoiding blogging about this, but it's time. We lost our friend on August 12. Very honestly...I am still in denial. I spent days going through photos and putting together videos (like the one below) for her celebration of life. In every photo there is such joy and laughter and hilarity...It just seems like it can't even be real that she is not in the world anymore. I haven't come to grips with the fact that I can't just ask her that question I have, or look forward to hearing a story form her the next time I see her at church.
Lorrie Klem was joy.
The first time we visited Bloomington 1st Church of the Nazarene in September of 2001, Lorrie and her family were part of Pastor Todd's sermon illustration, and sat at a table on stage and played cards during the service. They were fairly new christians at the time, and Pastor Todd talked about how they were "working it out--" this christian life and what it all means and looks like and how it works.
The first life group we were part of, Tom and Lorrie were part of too. It was an intense time of friendship, meeting weekly, and intentionally doing life together during that 2+ years. When it was time for the group to divide and multiply, couples gave the others favors or photos from their weddings to show how connected our lives are. We also pulled some really hilarious shenanigans during that time too.
I have so many memories of Lorrie, every one of them beautiful. She was so funny, fun, kind, direct, thrifty, creative, warm, giving, accepting, joyful, and wonderful.
I remember that she also forgot to pack her underwear for the trip, and told us all. So hilarious.
I remember Lorrie and I spent most of that Saturday together, just the 2 of us. We were the only ones who wanted to check out the huge antique store and scrapbooking/craft stores. We had the most fun just browsing and chatting and laughing all day.
We saw some beautiful 3-D glittery paper flowers in the scrapbooking store and were fascinated by them. We stood there looking at them for a long time, trying to discuss how they were made. I came home and searched the internet and learned they were mandalas, made with stamps, embossing, and layering pieces of the stamps with foam tape. Of course, I had to try it out.
I remember when Lorrie planed many, many, many events she made the decorations look like a million bucks, but always did it on an amazing shoestring budget--I mean seriously, like $50 or less for an entire incredible event! She was a miracle worker with tissue paper, card stock, and her creativity.
I remember our shared love and collections of The Wizard of Oz.
I remember the time we all cracked up when Lorrie wanted to tell us about a dessert she'd tried on her family, but was embarrassed (at first) to tell us that they'd dubbed it "Pants Crappin' Good."
I remember chatting with her every Sunday in the conference room at church while she helped count offering and I put away supplies.
I remember trying to find time to get together for crafting days and never making it happen.
I remember when Lorrie started a water balloon fight at a life group picnic.
I remember how excited Lorrie was to do the hard work that was planting our church.
I remember how Lorrie always went out of her way to love on kids, and how much happiness they brought her.
I remember how sweet and surprised Lorrie was when she won the Cookies and Carols baking contest. No one else was surprised.
I remember when Lorrie was diagnosed with cancer in March, how great she thought it was when our church did this to help her have some fun...
I remember Lorrie telling me about etching cream and how it works. (Still need to try that sometime!)
I remember how Lorrie prayed for her adult children and coworkers and asked others to join her in those prayers.
I remember that every time I got my hair cut, Lorrie noticed and complimented me.
I remember how she never judged others, showed God's grace, and at the same time made no secret of her faith. She did this in a more real way than probably anyone else I've known.
I remember when Lorrie and Tom came out to our house for chili one night. She complimented the crystal collection I have in our built in china cabinet in the kitchen, and I told her to pick out what she wanted. She thought I was crazy, but I didn't ask for any of that crystal and never use it. She picked out a candy dish with a lid and took it home.
I remember how open she was about struggling to enjoy reading God's word. She asked for help and kept after it until she found ways that spoke to her.
I remember how Lorrie always spoke about Tom (her husband) with genuine love and respect. Always.
I remember receiving Pinterest pins from Lorrie every so often, when she would see something she thought I would enjoy making.
I remember visiting Lorrie just a few days before she died. At least half a dozen people were gathered around her hospital bed talking with her, but the moment I walked in the door she said my name and smiled at me.
She told me about how it took Suzy 3 days to do her nails for Nick's wedding.
She made sure Pastor Ang and I knew where all her craft and party supplies were, and that she wanted us to use them for church events or have a big sale and give the money to the church benevolence fund.
She joked that she would catch herself asking people who visited her in the hospital where they got some item they were wearing and then catch herself and tell them nevermind...because she realized she wouldn't be going out to buy one herself.
I remember her laugh. It was one of those lovely, contagious laughs she shared so often.
I could go on and on. I have wonderful memories of Lorrie. I'm so thankful God allowed me the blessing of her friendship for nearly 13 years. I didn't always realize it at the time, but I learned so much from her. Her positive attitude was unwavering. She was joy. Lorrie Klem was joy.
I can't wait to see her again in heaven.
