Here is a writing that Linda Purtee (died 2013) wrote in her bible. Her husband Sam (died 2023) gave me permission to use it. Sam and Linda helped us move to San Saba in 2006; my husband Larry (1940-2020) drove a U-Haul, I drove our truck, Linda drove our van and Sam drove their truck. They came and visited us and other friends once or twice a year and stayed in their camper at Joe Ragsdale Park. This paragraph is from a precious friend who is gone from this earth but not forgotten.
Dear ones – Cancer is a word like 'rape'. Being told you have cancer alters everything. I used to think my body and I were partners, together against the world. We acted in sync. We were a team. With the word 'Cancer' our relationship broke.
Who was this body full of cells out to destroy me? We became two separate things, me and my body. I always worried what it was doing behind my back! A lot of having cancer is worrying about the loved ones around you. There's an overwhelming need to take care of them. Once you tell people, they change toward you. God love them! When you ask me, “what can I do for you?” my answer would be “Live!”
Sam and Linda attended our 50th wedding anniversary celebrated in Dresden, Ohio 1117-12. I borrowed a slip from her to wear at the celebration, and she told me to keep it because she wouldn't need it. She died three months later. I think of her every time I wear it.
Psalm 116:15...NIV...Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.