Sweet Blueberry Memories

Yesterday I got one of those dreaded phone calls from my mom. I could tell she was crying, so I knew something was wrong. She informed me that our lifelong friend, Justin Partlow's mom had passed away suddenly on Wednesday morning. Although we are not sure of the cause of death, I am comforted to know that she is with Jesus today. After the initial shock, I felt sadness for my dear friend and his family and I just want to be able to love them and be there for them. Mrs. Ga-lenda (as I called her, her name was just Glenda) was like one of my second moms. We practically lived at their house in the summers, swimming in their pool, playing games, watching movies, hosting parties, jumping on their trampoline, eating her delicious food and just growing up. She always had a special place in my heart, and I knew that she would do anything for me. We shared a bond, we were both February babies (she was born the day after me), and although she tried to convince me to go to A&M instead of Texas, she did give me longhorn apparel for Christmas and graduation and she even wore orange to our wedding! She and Mr. Partlow always paid for our meals when we went out to eat, she lent me clothes when I got mine wet in the pool, she always invited us over for lunch when we were in town, and she insisted that we stay at their beach cabin for free and feed us when we went to Florida for Justin's wedding. She was always perched in the church balcony with a camera any time that we were on the stage and she made me a DVD of the Senior Sunday with me and Justin singing "Friends are Friends Forever" so I would always be able to cherish that time. Her gift for my wedding was so "Mrs. Ga-lenda" too. She gave me a large griddle skillet and included a note and her recipe for her famous quesadillas. She made the best quesadillas! We are going to Kountze/Lumberton tomorrow to be with Justin and his family, and I don't even know what to say to him. I just feel like one of my own family members has passed and I just want everyone to pray for this family, that they would feel peace in this sadness. She was the queen of the blueberry farm, and everytime I see blueberries or quesadillas, I will remember Mrs. Ga-lenda and the love she gave to me and Travis and everyone she knew. This is my tribute to her......