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Truly Friends Forever

I have a great group of supporters (supporting Ann Downing Ministries in myriads of ways).  I don’t think I’ve always appreciated what real “support” in this case means.  But, perhaps I’m getting there!
One very important part of that great group of close friends and loved ones is my friend, Dolly Simms.  I’ve known her since she was in Jr. High when I was with the Speer Family.  That acquaintance lasted on through the Downing years.  Her family made sure they attended most every appearance the Downings made within a reasonable (and sometimes, not so reasonable) proximity of where they’ve always lived…in Lexington, KY.
When Paul was in the hospital for two months in Lexington before passing away, Dolly became my best friend.  She stayed at the hospital every night for those 56 nights as we slept on the floor of that waiting room outside the critical care unit. 
After Paul’s death, Dolly was a regular at my house and a regular on the road with me whenever she could.  She became like family to me.  I always knew I could tell her anything…could trust her, no matter what.
Now as I write this, she’s soon to be in Heaven.  I have no doubts that God’s prepared her a special place, a heavenly home He knows Dolly will love.  I believe she’ll ask Him to please let me live close by. 
I feel inadequate in trying to tell her how much I love her and what she’s meant to my life.  I just believe she knows.  Why would a great friendship change just because there is that small span between Earth and Heaven?  God’s in both, and Dolly and I are in Christ.  I’m sure you can understand that this gives me comfort today as I’m sadly trying to say “goodbye”, for a while, to my best friend. 
I do believe Dolly is ready to rest high on the mountain.

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