Not long after Carmen was diagnosed, Dave and I decided to host a Bible study through our church. We knew that offering our home to host a study was really the only way we could participate in a group. At the time, it was a whole lot easier for us to make a mad dash on Saturday afternoon to get the house presentable and figure out snacks/drinks than it was for us to take Carmen to another house.
Three couples signed up for our group.
If you’ve ever been in a small group, you know that some work and some don’t. Some personalities work well together and some just never click.
This group worked.
We met every week for several years, working through Andy Stanley DVDs and Francis Chan DVDs.
We ate dinner together.
We prayed with each other.
We looked forward to each Saturday night.
Other than family and Carmen’s nurses, these three couples were the only people that I saw during some weeks.
Often Dave and I would ask each other, “Why do you think they keep coming back?” We wanted them to keep coming and needed them to keep coming but we were so emotionally drained that we weren’t sure that we were doing enough or giving enough of ourselves to them and to the studies. It’s a good thing we had some help from Andy and Francis. 
Recently, I commented to one of the ladies that, in so many ways, our group got us through Carmen’s disease and death. She replied that she didn’t feel like she did much. I said, “You showed up and that’s what we needed.”
Thank you Eric & Claudia, Del & Cristina, and C.F. & Indira. We will miss you.
Claudia, Cristina, Lana and Indira
Eric, Del, CF and Dave
“If you have one true friend you have more than your share.” — Thomas Fuller
If you have more than one true friend, you are indeed blessed. We are blessed indeed.
You leave me speechless most of the time! Thank you so much for sharing your lives!
I agree that we have not done much to help you but that we certainly felt that you gave a lot to us, and that in addition to what you gave to your work, family, and especially Carmen. We were blessed every time, and it was never a sacrifice to come spend time with you all but the highlight of our week. In addition to personal thoughts, friendship and practical help, having been introduced to Andy is a lasting blessing.
We are thankful for the years spent together and hope and pray you will be blessed in your new home as well.
Claudia
OK – so this post is a little late – however, true friends need to keep in touch. I can tell you this, regretfully, that it is hard to keep in touch. I have “lost” so many excellent friends over the years because I have let the “present” take over my life – and have not kept in touch. Don’t let that happen!!!
With that said. . . I know an EXCELLENT place for reunions – no matter what the season. It is ‘a little spot of heaven’ in central New York . . . .