Never forget about the lives you touch every day

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September 2, 2009

Anonymous The North Jefferson News Wed Sep 02, 2009, 03:50 PM CDT

Commentary By Danielle Pelkey

The North Jefferson News

It is with a heavy heart that I write this column.

A dear friend of mine, and mighty woman of God, Joyce Sanford, went home to be with her Lord this past week after a short battle with cancer.

When someone passes away that you are close to, it’s hard to let them go. But also, it’s hard to know how to deal with everyday life after that.

In Joyce’s case, I love her family. I love them like my own family. Her daughters are like my sisters and her husband is like my dad. They have taken my husband and me under their wings and even let us tag along on a two-week family vacation. (Now that is true love when you let the Pelkeys tag along for more than two days.)

She and her husband, Curt, are the associate pastors at The Church Revived. They have breathed a new, fresh breath into the atmosphere there since they arrived five years ago.

This family stepped into our lives, and won us over completely.

Members of this community will remember Joyce for her sincere kindness and the way she would always look after the underdog, the ones unnoticed to others.

Joyce had a heart for outreach and love. She could also cook up a mean meal at the drop of a hat. She would make your mouth water, just talking about her new recipes.

Joyce raised two wonderful daughters, Wendi Thomas and Jamie Bearden. If there were ever a testimony of the awesomeness of Joyce, it is told through the lives of these two women.

I guess I’m going on and on about Joyce because it has hit so close to home this time. I know that Joyce knew that I loved her. But did she know to what extent?

You have a solid influence on those around you, whether you know it or not. Joyce may have never known how much I looked up to her, but I did.

You may not know how much those around you are looking up to you, but know this, people are looking up to you. They notice the little things about you. They care about what you care about. Your life matters.

At the age of 53, Joyce went home. We don’t know when our time on earth will come to an end. But be assured that when that time comes, people will be gathered at a church or funeral home and will talk about you. All of the funny, crazy things that you did and the wonderful ways that you touched their lives.

What kind of legacy are you leaving behind for them to discuss? For Joyce, there were tears and laughter. She was a wonderful woman. And I don’t think that a soul could say a mean thing about her. Our community, church and home will never be the same. She truly left a lasting legacy that will go on.

Curt is a better man for having Joyce stand by his side for the last 35 years. He would be the first to admit it.

What will those around you say about you after you are gone? It’s just something to think about as you go along this week.

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