She unknowingly whispered out a random little giggle, but it was at such an appropriate spot in our quiet conversation that we laughed out loud with her. She’s sleeping most of the day, fairly comfortable in the bed in her hospice room. Jim, Lindy, my sister Lisa, and I (her sister D) are alternating sitting with her and visiting and laughing with each other as we watch her rest and recall shared memories. She’s still so beautiful and kind. She wakes but just for a few moments at a time. These waking moments seem to take incredible energy on her part and are typically reserved for Lindy or Jim. However, she acknowledges a visitor by opening her eyes and still manages to show extreme kindness and appreciation to the doctor and nurses taking care of her.
Dr. Reddy informed her this past Monday that there was nothing left to do for her cancer but to keep her comfortable. She answered him with the same courage and dignity that she has displayed at every turn in this journey, “Well, I guess we did all we could.” We moved her to Hospice of Wichita Falls on Monday afternoon. It’s a tranquil setting: Elegant, peaceful, willing to serve us….. just like Bevo we think. She’s still fighting valiantly, and we’re still enjoying every moment we have left with her. She and we continue to appreciate your prayers and welcome your brief visits.
Thank you so much for the update. We have been holding our brave and most gracious Beverly up in prayer at the office. Yesterday, Patsy Todd, the Board Secretary of Region 9, led us in a beautiful prayer of love and sending for Beverly, and each of you, her family members, were also placed in God’s care. I believe the words “beautiful and kind” which you chose to describe Beverly tonight are without a doubt the expressed view for all of us who are praying for her; I might would add “saintly” based on the many she has touched through her words and actions. My prayers will continue for the family as Beverly prepares to take a kiss to Christ and his sweet mother for each of you. Her love for her family has been so evident, and I know it reflects, too, the love she has been given by each of you. May God hold you close, even now as He holds Beverly. With love in Christ, Anne
I, too, have anxiously awaited every update and now the most dreaded news has come. I’ve often told Beverly that she was one of the first persons that I met when I started work here in Wichita Falls 23 years ago. We’ve worked together on different projects through the years and I didn’t know how brave and strong she was until her illness. She is the 3rd of 4 incredible women, all younger than I, who have touched my life and have had to give up their earthly struggle. Please know how important she has been to many of us. I pray for her and her family daily. Please know that much love surrounds all of you.
Thank you so much for the update. Beverly is so very special to so many. May God continue to bless you all during this most difficult and bittersweet time – sweet memories, deep sorrow and great celebration of a beautiful life and an amazing home-going. Please know that you all are being lifted to the mercy seat of Christ.
Beverly, I decided to share some things with you. They are the thoughts I have when I think of you or your beautifully written updates. Our friendship goes back about 33 years. Although, I no longer live in Wichita Falls, we have always remained good friends. We started at Nortex Regional Planning Commission and shared an office together. I know you remember the time Jim came into the office after hours with you and wrote me a note, that said “I needed to clean up my desk NOW or ELSE!” and he signed it by the Executive Director. The next day you came into work and sat quietly at your desk and just waited for me to arrive and to watch my expression as I read that note with horror on my face. You couldn’t hold in the laughter,,,,I then knew it had to be JIM. We laughed so long and hard about that. We have shared so many wonderful times and they all bring a smile to my face. You have always been there for me when I needed you the most, as I am always here for you and your family.
I want you to know that you bring so much joy, inspiration and love to us all. I am thinking of you every minute of the day and praying for you and your family. I LOVE YOU BEVERLY!
To the Larson Family,
Amy and I were on our way to Colorado when we found out Beverly was in hospice. Through facebook we learned of her passing. Through text messages we learned when her funeral was. Technology is a wonderful tool but it doesn’t help when grieving. We were traveling back to Texas on the day of her funeral. I really wish we could’ve been there. We’ve been praying for all of you.
I just wanted to thank you for sharing Beverly with us. I know you know how many lives she has touched. Before her diagnosis she was a kind, loving, giving friend who would give you the shirt off her back if she knew you needed it. After her diagnosis, she was the same kind, loving, giving friend but there was a peace about her. Her determination was remarkable. Just like she was. Her faith was an amazing inspiration to me. With everything she was going through she took the time to check on me and what I was going through. You can’t fake that kind of compassion. I am a better person for knowing her.
I’m so thankful that she is no longer suffering. We were all praying for a different outcome, but she is with God now. How wonderful for her. We will miss her always.
Love and blessings,
Carrie Schrader and the girls