February 28, 2009 is a tough day for all of us who loved Jill Gibson. This is the day the Lord took her home.
Jill was a healthy 42-year-old who, with no warning, experienced a brain aneurysm that three days later, took her life. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out.
Jill and I became friends through our sons. Her Alex and my Zach met through school and soccer. They have been classmates and teammates for many years, and still are today. They currently share a love for show choir, and it brings me joy today to think I’ll get to watch them perform together tomorrow. There have been many times this season I would think of Jill and imagine how proud she’d be seeing Alex up there on that stage. I am proud of him on her behalf. (Smile.)
(Alex and Zach in 2008 below)
(Zach and Alex are the two in front below.)
Jill and I bonded quickly, and she was a woman who impacted my life. I learned much from our friendship. She reinforced the attitudes of live life to its fullest, embracing each new day, having fun doing every day things, and believing for the best. I recall the last soccer trip we shared together, as she, Candace-another soccer mom, Alissa and I all went to Hy-Vee for crab rangoons. The laughs we shared that day are unforgettable to me.
Back in 2009 I wrote a few posts about Jill–the morning I found her, her passing, her funeral, and the hope we have in seeing her again. (This is why I’m thankful I blog… I have these thoughts tucked away in words from years past. They are precious to me.) You may not want to read them all, but they are stories from my heart about this incredible woman and friend.
- I Saw God Today…Unlike Never Before (February 25, 2009)
- Jill (February 28, 2009)
- “Something Good is Going to Come From This” (March 4, 2009)
- “Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise” (March 5, 2009)
It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since God called Jill home. Her absence on this earth has been felt by many since since then. But we can still trust God. He is faithful. Even though He didn’t heal her in the way we wanted, He healed her completely in the way He wanted. He knows what He’s doing, and we can take comfort in that, and praise Him for that. I look forward to seeing my friend again someday soon.
“My Father’s home is designed to accommodate all of you. If there were not room for everyone, I would have told you that. I am going to make arrangements for your arrival. I will be there to greet you personally and welcome you home, where we will be together.” John 14:2-3 The Voice
Cheers to you, my good friend, Jill. Your legacy still lives on in those you loved on this earth. I love you and miss you! Hugs, Julie 🙂
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