Through Elaine's hospital stays, many different friends were able to come out and help. It was pretty unique because you never really knew who was going to be there when you arrived. It was through these hospital visits that I met many different friends of both Elaine and Patrick. What a beautiful set of friends they have. It is a testament to the kind of people they attract. There are so many deep friendships! I also had the honor and privilege of meeting her family through times at the house and the hospital. It was special to get to know many of them.
Even in the hospital in these last few months, Elaine wanted to serve others. One of her friends, Karen Franks (whom I had never met), was tending to her when I arrived. For the next few hours, through pointing and writing and trying to mimic, Elaine was expressing to us that she thought Karen and I should become friends, and that Karen should come try out Trinity church. She was insistent about this. She was very convincing because Karen did come try out the church :). She is a wonderful lady!
Another time, Elaine was really struggling to communicate, and we weren't sure she knew what was really happening around her. She proved us wrong. Patrick, Stephanie Ramirez, and I were in the room, and she was very emphatic that she write something down. Though at this point it was hard for her to do it, she managed to write a few sentences fairly clearly. First, she wanted Patrick to take her home for dinner, and second, that we could come to her place for the meal. We were all so happy and laughed. Often we would see her sense of humor coming through during these visits. (I believe Patrick posted that entry of her writing on the blog). Again, Elaine was thinking of others.
God tells us to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Elaine worked out these verses in her life day after day in so many ways. -Julie Bruechert
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