Odessa

When Larry and I arrived in Elmira, New York in the summer of 2009, we could not have imagined the adventure we were about to embark on as Larry took on the role of pastor at the Wesleyan Church. From the moment we entered its doors and began to interact with its people, we knew that this was the place for us. For the next 10 years we would call Elmira home and the people of that church our family. Even after these three and a half years since Larry's retirement, we still miss that place and its people more than we can express. 

And that brings me to Odessa. She often told the story that she was determined not to like us. She had loved the previous pastor; he was young, and well, we weren't. But it didn't take long for her to realize that we were pretty likable and that we truly loved the people that God had sent us to shepherd.  And there was no one that we loved more than her. I mean, how could we not. There was absolutely no one like her!

Odessa in "bling" one Christmas Sunday 

                                                

I nicknamed her my "bling bling friend" because of her love for jewelry and sparkle. I don't ever remember her showing up to church, sitting in that same back pew which she had claimed long before we ever moved into the parsonage next door, without something on her person or in her hair, often highlighted in various colors. She was a southern girl, which she would not let anyone forget even though she'd lived in New York most of her adult life, and her fashion flair was definitely a reflection of that. She also had a bit of that southern "rebel" in her as well, which she proudly declared on a pretty regular basis. 

And she was beyond generous. As the self-appointed "candy lady" at church, she knew how much Larry loved his chocolate and looked for every opportunity she could to make sure he got his favorite confections. Holidays and birthdays gave her an excuse to make sure that we were remembered with a card and a gift. Even after we left Elmira for Alabama a thousand miles away, the cards continued to come. She didn't miss a holiday. 

And speaking of cards, I can't imagine how many she must have sent over the years to those who simply needed a reminder that they weren't forgotten. We saw that lived out when we would visit the nursing homes, cards on display on dressers and tray tables or hear of the phone calls she had made. She served in her own way, not making a big deal about it. But if she saw a need, she stepped in and did what she could. No fanfare. That's just who she was.

The last time we spoke to her was just a few days before she passed on from here to her new home. I told her we'd be back for a visit the following month and that we wanted to spend some time with her. Well, I guess she couldn't wait, her body was simply too tired. Yes, we were disappointed, but we'll just have to wait on that visit for a bit longer. You see, she knew Jesus. She trusted Him as her Savior a long time ago. So as disappointed as we were, I know that we will see her again. And then there will be no more goodbyes.

    

She was absolutely delighted that Pastor Larry
danced with her at her granddaughter's wedding!