Joyce Olivia Young Shelby, March 17, 1947—March 19, 2009When my son was born, she held him before I did.
My daughter bears her name, J-O-Y.
She loved me through the toughest season of my life.
Without her, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
She was unflinchingly honest,
elaborately generous,
unfailingly gracious.
She kept her word.
She loved with her actions and her prayers.
Her last status update on Facebook read, in part, “ I may be leaving you very soon.”
Too soon.
She was our spiritual mom and godmother, mothering us over the miles and though heartaches.
She ended nearly every conversation by reminding me that Jesus was coming back soon, saying “Tonight would be good.”
She is missed, but not for long.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
She lived her life “present with the Lord,” and we are better for it.
