A long time ago at a camp on the shores of Lake Superior, a young boy sat down with the camp nurse to give her his meds for the week. That boy was me and that nurse was Marcia Nichols. Now, I'm not certain this is how we met but it makes sense. I know her husband Cliff through some mutual friends and her oldest daughter from camp as well. But that's not the point of this post. Last week Marcia passed away. As I said I didn't see her much so I didn't know her all that well. But her influence was one that I have seen for years and I still consider her a friend. I met her oldest daughter Kristen at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp back in the 90s. Eventually, Kristen would go on to Cedarville University where she would run track with my sister. Small world.
All the pictures I've seen have been of her helping people. Whether it be her grandchildren, as a nurse back in 1979 (That was awesome . What a precious moment to capture on camera), her daughters, family, or in the community it was great to see her smiling face one more time. As always it was a treat to see. Two posts stood out to me. First, I must say though that it was great to see all the support coming from those in the community and from wherever. Just seeing that it was obvious she was (and still is) loved. It pains me that I can't be there to support those who are grieving even more than I. That said, someone posted a picture of Marcia with her two daughters Kristen and Erin and a note to Kristen and Erin. I thought that was pretty classy. The second post that stood out was one that really left an impression on me and I think shows what kind of a person Marcia was. It wasn't a picture but someone wondered that if when Marcia got to heaven did God say "Well done though good and faithful servant." or did he just wrap his arms around her. It gave me pause. Not so much because of what this person said but why they said it. The influence Marcia had on so many lives is astounding. Personally, I loved to hear her talk. She had that great Finnish accent. I just wish I had seen her more. From what I understand she had a rough time of it towards the end but I'm glad she was able to see her family before she went home. Now she is pain free and surrounded by awe-inspiring, word defying glory. Marcia, I know you didn't rest long! :-) Looking forward to seeing you again!
Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel; will I dance in your presence of in awe of you be still; will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall; will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
MercyMe
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