As all of you now know, Annette Coriell passed away Wednesday around 5:30pm. I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with her these last few weeks and to witness her strength and determination.
Annette was one of these people that was truly unique. What you saw was what you got...and it was always this way. She lived life on her terms, though not selfishly, until the very end. This was evident in so many ways during her life and the years that I knew her, but was also evident in the way she died. When she was released to come home from inpatient Hospice last week, they gave her 24-48 hours to live - she lived 6 days. For those of us who know Annette, this was not surprising in the least.
She was not a cookie cutter person, and seemed to give little regard to being a people pleaser. She was friendly, polite, and Godly - but she never recreated who she was to please those around her. This undoubtedly frustrated a few folks over the years. In many ways her quiet life masked a woman who was somewhat ahead of her time. She went to college in the 1930s, had a rewarding career, was business savvy, well-read, and more recently was incredibly up-to-date about current events for an octogenarian. She quietly helped numerous people over the years, not the least of which was serving in a mother role for several children. She loved a good laugh, had a lot of fun, was free and lived in submission only to her God. What a legacy!
Now that she has left, I wonder how many people will be affected? I wonder how many prayers won't be said? She has left a vacancy that will probably never be filled. This is sad but also blessed. Blessed because she filled a role that only she could fill and this is a testament to how God has a role for each of us that only we can fill. Annette's life speaks loudly about the individuality of the Lord's plans for each of us and how his provisions and purposes are tailor made to fit. Thanks Annette for your example. You will be sorely missed.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, July 25, 2008
Lessons from Annette
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3 comments:
Annette was my Bible class teacher when I was in 1st and 2nd grade at Sunshine. She taught me the importance of memorizing scripture so that it would always be in my heart. The verses I learned at age 7 are the ones that I still remember today (35 years later). It was in her class that I learned the books of the old and new testament, the 23 Psalm, The Lord's prayer, John 3:16, Acts 2:38,Mark 16: 15-16 and many more. When Annette found out that I would be going to Harding University she was supportive and encouraging. Annette will always have a special place in my heart.
Dianne Mason-Clemens
I knew Annette had been sent home from Hospice but didn't know how critical her situation had been. I did not know that she had passed away until I saw your post.
Annette was one of those unique individuals that you never forget if you have the good fortune to get to know them. It seemed she always had a smile and a laugh available at a moment's notice. She was the kind of person that you say "God broke the mold after He made them." She will be greatly missed.
Al Graff
"....and this is a testament to how God has a role for each of us that only we can fill. Annette's life speaks loudly about the individuality of the Lord's plans for each of us and how his provisions and purposes are tailor made to fit."
Amen!
Great post, Eric. I enjoy reading and hearing what other's memories and thoughts of Annette are.
Jennifer
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