A "THANK YOU" to all Frieda's Friends

I was out early this morning. I fed the dogs, cleaned kennels, fed the goats, who were shocked, I might add. Usually 5pm is feeding time. But they happily ate early. I fed the donkeys and played around with the colts. I thanked God for my home, my life, my farm and my many blessings. Among those blessings, I counted all of you folks, most of which I don't even know, who have reached out to me and in turn to Frieda to convey what she means to all of you as well. I thought I would share a few of the comments that I have received that have touched my heart so deeply. In a world of judgment, chaos, people who use words and deeds loosely, I can tell you that even in the darkest moments of sadness that I have experienced with Frieda's stroke, I have seen a kindness that has humbled me to tears again and again.
I think this post needs to be dedicated to all of you who read my ramblings daily and love Frieda enough to keep up with what I have to say. It is my pleasure to share with you. It is my pleasure to hear from you and even though I don't know you, I can love your hearts and I can love the totally support you have freely offered Frieda and her family. My friend Elizabeth Cordes always signs her emails with the wish of "Grace." How beautiful is that? Which brings me to a familiar line of a song that I could never stop loving to sing. "It twas Grace that kept me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home." Thank you dear readers, from the bottom of my heart.
Now for some excerpts...they are random. Some are from this morning, others are from some time back. I wish I could post them all, but you'll get the gist. I might just start ending my posts with a quote from one of Frieda's FANS! She'd like that!
*AL PRIVETTE- WOW Anne ........... these are amazing improvements, and truly answer to our prayers! It means a great deal to me also to get your “reports” .......... it helps me know how to pray. Thank you very much for doing this.
*MARTHA MYERS- (Bolivia, NC), who sent the water pistol!)-Annie, Annie, Annie...............I am SOOOOO humbled!! But more importantly, I am SO glad that the box was such a hit!! Keep up the WONDERFUL work!!!
I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!
Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?-Corrie Ten Boom
*DAVE SHIRK-(Oriental, NC) Anne, I am totally without thoughts ... and in total shock.I do thank you for your update, and hope you are doing OK considering. Your blog is very touching.
*JOAN MCCLELLAN (Suffolk, VA)-Annie, Annie Annie, I am so sending my prayers for Frieda . I don't like all of this junk happening to my friend. I am saying a prayer for you too Annie. Frieda is a lovely person and may God's Blessings be with her.
*CATESBY JONES (Wilmington, NC)-Dear Ones, We are right there with you . I don't believe I have ever read a more heartfelt letter. If greater hands can be moved we will stir them. If longer lives can be given we will extend them. If broken hearts abound we will mend them and we shall always love you and our dear Frieda for the pure kindness in your souls.
*JOYCE ALLEN-(a beautiful prayer and heartfelt sentiment from a our dear friend in New Jersey.)-The wind was knocked out of my sails as I started to read your blog providing the sad news of Frieda's stroke. I immediately said a prayer for her recovery, and then after a few deep breaths moved on to read the rest.
I've known Frieda is a true and loyal friend for you and Wayne and in reading your beautiful words understand fully why. A friend such as Frieda is such a treasure. Your blog shows the life of one who has run the "good race." Let us pray that she fully recovers and doesn't reach the finish line just yet so that she can continue to be that solid spoke in the wheel of so many that she touches. The wheel may be wobbling a bit, but let our hearts look to the hope of it again being "rock" solid.
I am deeply saddened by this news. It will take God's intervention and I am just one little fish in a big pond of people who will petition His healing of Frieda. Your reaching out to all of us to join you in prayer will strengthen the network on her behalf. At times like this prayer is often the only solace and hope we have.
You alone know all of our cares and needs, O, Lord. Provide for the needs of Frieda, of her mother and her brother, and of her friends Annie and Wayne, and of all who are close to her. Bring Frieda back to a full and complete recovery. Provide her family and friends with the strength and calmness as they deal with the illness of their loved one. Heal their infirmities and every need, spiritual, emotional and physical. Help them always to know your prescence and feel its' comfort and peace. Amen
*BRENDA CAMPBELL (Kure Beach, NC)- In spite of your shock and worry, what a wonderful tribute you made to her. I think I understand just how much she does mean to you both. I have noted that since your operation, seeing her over at Okracoke... I could always sense how special she was to you. Your description in your Blog painted a beautiful picture of your relationship. I am sure the feeling of love and respect goes both ways. I called Joyce immediately because I thought she might not open her mail until later today. She was just as shocked and saddened as I... We will be praying for her as well as you and Wayne. Please tell her that we are pulling for her to beat this. She must indeed be a special lady and I know you all love her dearly.
*DAVE AND RUTH SPENCER-(Colorado Springs, CO)-We were deeply saddened to hear that Frieda suffered a stroke. Please tell her that we are praying for her and hope that she has a quick recovery. I know how close you guys are. If there is anything we can do please let us know.
*Mary Grace McCord- (Birmingham, AL)- Hey Annie My God, your last words said everything: "BE KIND TO OTHERS. EVERYONE IS IN THEIR OWN BATTLE. We never know what others are going through and how they might be suffering. What happened to my friend today is a perfect example of that. I will not stop praying that Frieda can and will win this battle and I hope you, my friends, don't mind me asking for your help too." (Anne Haley blog post) You do have our prayers and energy, and BTW, Wayne has had them too. Y'all were certainly missed in Chicago.
*ANNE TREVVETT-(Fredricksburg, VA)-Dear, Dear Annie,I have Frieda's phone numbers sitting right here in front of me. You wrote them down for me before I left. She's been on my "daily list" to call for the last week. I can't tell you how often I've thought of her...her thoughtfulness in getting dinner and movies for us....how much I enjoyed sharing time with her. There is a lesson here. Please keep me updated. I am praying...and praying....and praying. I feel so helpless being this far away, but, then, I'm sure you feel just as helpless being right there with her. No. We are not helpless. Our Help is there if we but ask. (Frieda had shown up with dinner and a movie while Anne and her son Seth were visiting recently. That's just how Frieda is. She is such a thoughtful and sharing person. Everyone she meets adores her.)
*GEOF MORRIS-(Florence, NC and Carbondale, CO)-Hey Anne and Wayne, Wore that big ole Oriental t-shirt y'all gave me at my send off party a while back. Just maintaining a good picture of Frieda in my head. (Geof wore the t-shirt in Frieda's honor until she opened her eyes. I know he was glad when she finally did!)
*JIM CLARE; (outside Rochester, New York)-Hi Annie, Geof called and told me about Frieda. She's in my prayers, and I hope that her intrepid spirit sees her through her troubles.
*TONY THARPE-(Oriental, NC)-Getting quite a few emails and people sticking their heads in, calling etc . . . wish there was some way to let Frieda know how many people are concerned and praying for her. (We've sure been telling her Tony!! Thanks for letting us know too! You're doing a GREAT job with the paper, as well as Karen and the rest of the crew!! Love you all! -ah)
*DEE SAGE-(Oriental, NC)-Dear Anne, thank you for keeping everyone informed of Frieda's condition. We did not learn of her illness until late Saturday and she has been in our prayers since. Just Friday as I was returning to our office from the Bank I saw Frieda outside her office and she gave me a big smile and wave. I remember thinking how warm and friendly her gesture was. Who could have imagined that just hours later....If possible, please let her know that Bill and I are praying hard for her recovery and let us know if there is anything we can do to comfort her or her family. This must be hard on you, too--be strong girl!
*BILL SAGE-(Oriental, NC)-Hey Annie, Thank you for the updates on Frieda. Dee says she just sent you an e-mail, but I thought I thought l should also. We will keep her, her family and you and Wayne in our prayers as well. She is in good hands in Greenville. She is blessed to have a true friend like you. I know you have a lot on your plate just now. Be strong, you give so much of yourself, take care to look after Annie.
*JOHANNE PRYOR AND WINSTON BARNES- (Florence, NC)-Dear Anne and Wayne, my prayers continue to be with Frieda and her family and both of you. Please convey this to Miss Nancy, et al. I know this is hard on you as such good friends. Please get some rest yourself. Hugs and love from Winston and I. I am a hugger too so big ones are sent to you and Frieda's family.
*FLO DANIELS- (Oriental, NC)-(Flo also sent a beautiful poem that I've been saving to post at a later time.)-Hi Anne,
I'm not sure if you remember me, but I have met you at the paper. I do the "Do You Remember..?" column for the paper and work with Habitat for Humanity in the county. Since Virginia Berger called me Friday night with the news of Frieda's stroke, Frieda has been in my thoughts and prayers. I emailed Ms. Nancy my thoughts. Please let me know if I can do anything to help the family or paper. Virginia says that Pamlico County prayers work as wehave prayed for her and her brother, Bruce, when we found about their cancers. I am a big believer that good thoughts and prayers work. Penny Dollar Farmer is my pastor, so I have a great pastor and friend. I will be glad to help out in any way.
Please give the family my love and let them know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. Also, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know how important good friends are in times of trauma. Frieda and you are blessed to have such a friendship.
(and of course, I do remember you Flo! Thank you for the supportive emails you have sent additionally! They are so appreciated!)
*MARK TEACHEY (Wilmington, NC)-So sorry to hear about Freida. Wow. You're right....you never know what can happen in an instant that can change our lives potentially forever. I will be praying for Frieda, her family and her many friends including you. There have been many who have recovered 100% from a stroke and I pray this will be the case for Frieda. Thank you for
sharing about your friendship through your blog. It's a great reminder....
*BRUCE MILLER-(Washington, DC)-Annie -I happened to be looking at the Oriental Town Dock online and it invited me to read your blog about the stroke your good friend Frieda suffered. Having had a stroke a year and a half ago, I felt the need to say a prayer and to jump in to read how Frieda was doing. I must say that I was not fully prepared for the feelings I felt as I read your blog on the concern, fear, hope, friendship, determination and just plain old love for a suffering best friend that I found in your entries. Lady, they don't grow many of them like you. I felt inspired to pause and read all of your blogs. Tell her that there are others out here that are concerned, even though they may not know her personally. Your writings/blogs, showed me what she was like as a friend before the stroke, she sounds like a keeper. Tell her to keep at it and give her alll of the support you can!
So...I hope this gives you an idea of the types of BEAUTIFUL emails that have come to me recently. Just when I think I have totally lost faith in humanity and that people are selfish, greedy, hateful and mean-spirited, something happens that shakes it all up again and God shows us that GOOD IS EVERYWHERE! Even through folks we may not even know.
I was driving home thinking this scripture last night and I don't know why...but I was thinking about Jesus and how he just kept doing the right thing, no matter what people said, did or how they acted. He kept moving forward and upward. "Even in the least of these, so have ye done for me."
THANK YOU all you wonderful people who have written to me. You have given me strength, courage, spirit and most of all you have given me love and hope. I am forever grateful to you for that.
With love to you all,
Annie
PS: There are MANY, MANY more where these came from...as I said, I think I'll start closing the posts with a quote from a FRIEDA FAN!!! To quote my friend Gary Mitchell, who wrote a song titled this..."LOVE ALL AROUND!"

|