We Are So Happy To Have You Here

"We are so happy to have you here."

This is what my friend, Nancy Nakayama, would tell me periodically during my first year at my school. I would trudge down the halls, completely exhausted and befuddled, and there she would be; crossing my path with a smile on her face.

She would ask me how I was doing and our conversation would ultimately end with her saying, "We are so glad to have you here."

As counselors go, Nancy was stretched thin. Counseling sessions with students and classrooms, LPAC coordinator and meeting after meeting, Nancy was busy. But she always had a kind word and a smile on her face.

"We are so happy to have you here."

Nancy attended my bridal shower. When I received skimpy lingerie from most, she gave me a cute and simple paisley nightgown. I remember her laughing and saying, "Trust me, you won't be in "the mood" every night." No truer words have been spoken and that nightgown has gotten more wear during my marriage than any of the other skimpy frocks.

"We are so happy to have you here."

Last year in October we learned that Nancy had a malignant brain tumor that would need to be removed. She started the year with us but didn't come back after learning of her cancer. However, she would visit and there she would be, that same sweet smile.

This time, it was me saying, "We are so happy to have you here."

Over the last couple of months, Nancy's prognosis became worse. She was put in hospice care a couple of weeks ago and today, she left this world and went Home.

I know exactly what Jesus said to her when they embraced.

"We are so happy to have you here."