One of the things that I like about the character, Anne, is that she finds “kindred spirits” wherever she goes. There are people who cross her path for a season and they become steadfast friends.
This week I lost one of those “kindred spirits” in my life. Marge Krody died on July 10 after a long battle with cancer.
Our paths first crossed years ago and they seemed to intersect off and on throughout the years.
Marge was an avid fan of “Anne of Green Gables” also. She made me “green” with envy a few years ago when she and her sisters took a trip to Prince Edward Island, Canada, to visit Green Gables, the legendary home of Anne. It may not sound like the ideal vacation spot to everyone, but she had a great time and said it was wonderful. Some day I’ll find out for myself, and when I go, I’ll visualize Marge at all the stops along the way.
Marge was also the wife of a pastor. Pastor Bill Krody ministered to the saints at Georgetown United Methodist Church for a number of years, filled in at Mt. Orab United Methodist and Bethel United Methodist, but that’s another story.
When I knew that my husband was going to pastor a small church, I asked advice from Marge. She was a shining example to me of what a pastor’s wife should be and I looked to her as my mentor. She was always honest and straight-forward and her Scottish accent was pleasant to the ear whether she was correcting and encouraging or offering advice and warnings.
As Marge valiantly faced chemotherapy, she was an inspiration to the folks around her. She and I weren’t what you would call close friends, but she was often in my thoughts and prayers during her illness. There was just something about our relationship that ran deep. She knew what I needed to hear and I could sense her needs.
Most of us have people in our lives who touch our hearts in a special way. Our lives seem forever intertwined with some folks whether we see them often, talk with them on a regular basis or rarely speak. Those people are “kindred spirits” and their friendship is not only valuable, but eternal.
When I think of Marge, I am reminded of Philippians 4:8-9, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
As her family and friends say goodbye to her this week, our lives have been enriched because we knew her and our hope of eternal life is rekindled because of our desire to connect with her again.
She’s not the first “kindred spirit” that I’ve had to bid farewell and I still feel the connection between myself and those others who have shared their hearts with me. Sometimes I can hear their voices clearly telling me when I’ve goofed-up to watch my step. I can also hear them cheering me on when I’m on the right path. “Kindred spirits” remain with us through all the trials and victories that come our way. I hope you have a “kindred spirit” in your life.
Marsha Mundy is the news editor. Read her blog at marshamundy.blogspot.com.
