Friends in the Spotlight

Life is splattered with mountain tops, valleys, and plateaus. I'm thankful that it is not a trek I need journey alone. The Lord has blessed me not only with a wonderful family, but also with brothers and sisters in Christ. Friends that have known me for many years and friends who have known me for a few weeks. All of them in someway have had and many continue to have a profound impact on my life. I've decided to spotlight some of my friends on this blog from time to time. On occasion I may bring up a friend whom I've lost contact with entirely. And more commonly than not, I'll mention someone whom is still a part of my life.

Lately, (actually through a conversation with my new friend Jaime--whom I feel like I've known for 30 years and not just 30 days which is not too far from reality) I've been thinking about the significant impact that each person can have on the life of another. How I could actually be a blessing to others without knowing it! So, how many people have blessed me and not even know that they have? I want people to know that they've touched my heart.

Today, my dear friend Suzanne Hermes has been on my mind. I met Suzanne three years ago. Suzanne was the coordinator for Bayshore MOPS and she and her husband, Patrick, also organized the small group that our family joined. Suzanne and Patrick have three amazing children. Jonathan, who I believe will be an awesome lawyer someday, (however, since he's only 7, that one is hard to predict); Brandon, who has an astounding heart for sharing and giving; and Amanda who is a spunky little gal with the sweetest sounding voice I have ever heard.

I could write paragraph after paragraph about the endearing qualities that embody Suzanne's personality, but then people may feel intimidated to read all that copy, so I am going to just write what I admire most about Suzanne.

What I admire most about Suzanne is her amazing ability to balance the structured part of her personality with the fun-loving caring side of her personality. Those who know Suzanne understand that she has an ability to get things done. She's a woman of action. If you give her a task, she'll accomplish it while balancing many other duties and responsibilities. I was always impressed during MOPS steering meetings when Suzanne would lead the meetings with a business like tone that was friendly and serious all at the same time. We'd cover the facts and still have fun. But what was even more impressive was when we'd get to the prayer request part of the meeting. Her expression was so soft and caring. She never rushed the clock when another member was pouring out her heart. She remained composed and strong, but exuded a gentleness that spoke volumes about how much she cared. Last week Suzanne called me out of the blue just because, as she put it, I was on her heart. She listened to me ramble on for about 30 minutes before she shared with me some of the "going ons" of her life. So, Suzanne, if you are reading this, thank you for being true to who you are and for being such an inspiring friend!