In Memory of Natalie Padrick Platt

November 02, 2004

Dancing in Heaven

I was one excited middle schooler when Natalie Padrick became my neighbor. Having not grown up in a neighborhood, I was so pleased when a friend my age moved only a “few minutes walk” from where I lived. I still remember traipsing back and forth through the trees between our houses when we wanted to play together. Then there were the times when I’d welcome “Nat’ to my house, and we run down to the basement and dance to old songs on the jukebox.

A few years later, we decked out in our festive attire for the 2A State Championship football game. Natalie cheered and I frolicked about as Wally Wolf while we clapped and stomped out our support for our soon-to-be victorious high school team. A year or so after that memorable event, we “turned the tassels” of our graduation caps on the same night….before our futures beckoned us in different directions – she into nursing and me into journalism, drama and later, missions. Yet, even though it had been ages since we’d “really visited”, we weren’t strangers when we fellowshipped together this past July.

The years melted away, and we were once again laughing about our basement dance moves and were reminiscing about sinks full of bubbles and corn flakes with loads of sugar on top. Our reunion came when I was days before leaving for Slovakia, and she was heavy into chemotherapy. Some tubes dripped medicine into her body while other tubes discreetly emptied out the contents of her abdomen.

I remember hugging her and trying not to rustle any of the tubes below. So, basically only our heads and hearts came into contact. Yet, it was one of the sweeter hugs I’ve ever given or been given by a friend.

In my head, I didn’t and don’t understand all the whys and wherefores of a cancer that eats away at a vibrant life here on earth. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever be completely clear on the rationale of that. And yet, it’s not my head that is home to the part of me that isn’t earthbound. I believe it’s my heart that houses my soul…and it’s there where I can find the peace that comes from having an eternal perspective. Jesus said He would leave us a peace that is not as the world gives. I believe Him, and I think Natalie believed Him.

So, today, as I mourn the loss of a childhood friend, I’m comforted by memories of Natalie’s and my last visit. We spoke of faith, of a healing that doesn’t always happen on this side of heaven, and of a peace that comes from an eternal perspective. It’s not a peace that makes sense in my head – where I’m only sad because I won’t see my friend again here on earth. But it is a peace that resonates in my heart – where Jesus is my Comfort and my Counselor. And it is there that I hear His words. “I go to prepare a place for you…”

I imagine Helen was helping Christ these last months – she was helping prepare the place in eternity where she and her beloved daughter would live until the time when they could welcome their other loved ones into the arms of God. And I believe I’m going to be one excited newcomer to Paradise when I get to be a part the best reunion possible…running to get reconnected with my own friends and family members.

You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if our Savior hasn’t prepared my and Nat’s mansions near to each other…He’ll remember how much we liked to traipse back and forth through the woods. I can see us dancing together even now…


Love and Hugs,
Wallyce
List of Journal entries:

→ The Return Road
    (October 2006)

→ SonShine Sestra Blog(s)
    (Winter 2004/Spring 2005)

→ Beauty from Ashes
    (Jun 17, 2005)

→ Pope's Passing
    (Apr 20, 2005)

→ Thanksgiving Blessings
    (Dec 01, 2004)

→ Goodbyes of Sorrow and Joy
    (Nov 04, 2004)

→ Double Love
    (Nov 03, 2004)

← Dancing in Heaven
    (Nov 02, 2004)

→ Swift Soul - Jubilant Feet
    (Oct 20, 2004)

→ Bubbles in the Bath
    (Oct 16, 2004)

→ The Minutes Before Midnight
    (Oct 11, 2004)




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