When I started this project I was asked if I ever lost a love one on 9-11, Katrina Flood, Cedar Rapids flood or fallen soldiers and my answer would always be no it's just I need to do God work and help those that mourn the lost of a love one. It was a need to reach out and help others. Now I can't say that because Continental Flt 3407 I did lose someone I lost a great friend and if ever there was a reason to continue this project Beverly would be the reason to.
Beverly as you know was a loving beautiful lady with so much love and grace. Where ever she went she made a difference. We meet Beverly at one of our trip to CT when we were bringing quilts to 9-11 victim families. In fact it was Feb of 2003. She of course received a quilt along with getting one for her loving mother in law. Her pain for her beloved husband was fresh as if it was yesterday that it happened.
She was so kind and generous that she invited us to come and stay with her while we were there giving out quilts. She laughed and told us that she wasn't much of a cook so she took us out to eat. She was proud of her beautiful house because it was what her and Sean work hard to make it look as beautiful as it was. The kitchen was well designed and she showed us what Sean had done and that he couldn't finish it because he was taken from her, so she had to hire someone to finish the kitchen cabinets.
Beverly had a heart of gold. She cared about everyone and she used that pain to help others. Sean was her life and when we were there you could see it in her eyes. That pain could not be hidden at least not by me when I would look into those beautiful eyes. She could have a smile in her face but her eyes told me she was in pain. She did get to open up and talk to my husband Dennis and me. She told us what happened that day, the day that devastated her. The tears rolled down as she talked about that day, and you could not help but cry along with her. People talk about their soul mates, but I know for sure that Sean and Beverly were truly soul mates. They knew what the true meaning of love was all about.
We kept in touch after that, and I was so proud of her for all she was doing and how strong she was but I know it was God holding her and keeping her strong. She wanted to help others. She wanted Sean’s death to mean something in life. She didn't want him to be forgotten. It is so painful when people move on and forget the pain of others. She didn't want that to happen, so she worked hard at making sure it didn't happen. I know the strength and courage she got was from all the pain she was carrying with her. By helping others she knew she was making this world a better place.
To Beverly’s parents I have to say you did an awesome job with her. She made a difference with everyone she was around. She was not afraid to stand up and do what was right. She spoke for those families who couldn't. She was their voice. She touched so many people and made a huge impact in everyone’s lives. I know she did with us in the short period of time that we got to know her. I will forever miss her emails, for she let me know that what I was doing for others matter and she was proud of what we were doing to take time out of our lives to think of others and comfort others, something she did all the time.
Her pain is gone for she is with Sean now, but ours is not. We lost someone great, someone kind hearted, but I know she is with Sean and that gives me some kind of peace knowing this great lady will not suffer anymore. Her memory will live on and so will all the good she has done. I know I for one keep her dear to my heart. She taught so many of us that we need to stand up for what is right. She was a dear friend, a person that made a difference in life. Now, if we all follow her footstep, we will make this a better place to live in.
To visit Beverly’s remembering, go to www.RememberingBeverly.com
Please take time to reach out to others and make a difference.
1 comment:
What a beautiful tribute. It makes me wish I had known this lovely lady. It is so ironic that both her husband and now she, too, had to perish in such a tragedy. God does move in mysterious ways. Betty, I'm sure you made as much a mark on her life as she has made on yours. If not for you, and your dedication to the quilts for the families, so many of those people would have nothing else to cling to but their memories. Now, they have that love provided by you and your group, in those tangible hugs, the quilts. May God Bless you!!
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