Happy Monday. Do you have a friend?
“There is nothing on earth more to be prized than true friendship.” –Thomas Aquinas
My heart is sad today at the death of a friend. Her name: Bootsie Mullins.
I really don’t know how long ago we became friends, it just happened.
Someone has said that in friendships, hearts relate to each other.
At first, we saw each other frequently, at church, other activities. For the last twelve years, I saw her only once or twice, as I moved a thousand miles away.
But time and distance could not take away the love that developed in my heart, and I believe, in hers.
I’ve prayed for her, thought about her, and as the report came of serious health issues, I wanted her to know I cared.
I can’t tell her now.
Think about your friends, those in your home, those you work with, go to church with, neighbors.
Do they know you really care?
This poem has been in my files for quite some time. I believe it is worthy of our thought.
If I Knew
-Unknown
“If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
To stop and say, ‘I love you,’
Instead of assuming you know it.
If I knew it would be the last time,
I would be there to share your day.
Well, I’m sure you’ll have many more,
So I can just let this one slip away.
There will always be another day
To make up for an oversight,
And we always get a second chance
To make every thing right.
But in case I might be wrong,
And today is all I get,
I’d like to say, ‘I love you,’
And hope you won’t forget.
So if you’re waiting for tomorrow,
Why not do it today?
For if tomorrow doesn’t come,
You’ll have no regrets today.”
“Make sure thy friend.” Proverbs 6:3
Monday with Beverly 
I was shocked to hear Bootsie passed away. Her and I joked around on the phone alot. She was such a sweet lady. She was one of a kind. Their is not a day that goes by that I don’t tell my husband and daughter that I love them. That is important because life is to short.
LikeLike
Sad to hear of the loss of your dear friend, Mrs. Mullins. She was a sweet lady…… I can hear you singing in the front row of the choir…”WE’LL NEVER SAY GOOD BYE IN GLORY”! That will be sweet 🙂 Love you!
LikeLike
Love YOU, my FRIEND!!! Thank you for all you have invested, and still are investing in me! I can “see you” singing “We’ll Never Say Good-Bye In Glory”
LikeLike
Mrs. Hyles, I love your poem,I do truly cherish my friendships that I have. I had the privilege of setting beside Bootsie,in choir for at lease 10 or 12 years. She was amazing sweet lady,she would take my choir book back to the choir book slot,every sunday. When I first came in choir,she would always be sure I knew what song went first in my choir book and just marking things that we needed to mark in our book. I loved setting by her and missed her very much,when she couldn’t sing anymore. Iam so glad you are doing this blog,it makes me realize how priliiege we were to have you as our Pastor Wife and for the memories I have of you teaching us at Hylander Wifes.
LikeLike
I love it when you meet someone and you know in your heart immediately, that this person is special. Bootsie was that kind of person. She was so sweet and had such a great smile. I know she will be missed. Mrs. Hyles, although we don’t get to see or talk to one another often, I hope you know in YOUR heart that I love you and will always cherish our friendship and the MANY things you have taught me.
LikeLike
While Bootsie was still well enough to talk I told her I had talked to you and you were going to call. She smiled and she “She loves me”
She knew:)
LikeLike
Remember meeeting Mrs. Mullins years ago; a sweet lady. Thank you for reminding us of the need to cherish friendships while we have them! God bless you.
Love,
Alicemarie Johnson
LikeLike
I always admired Bootsie from afar. Never got to know her well. She pictured graciousness and kindness to me. The night before she passed my husband and I went to see her in the hospital. Of course, was in a coma, but we were grateful to be able to show our love to Br. Mullins and the boys.
LikeLike
Bootsie was one of those ladies in the FBC choir who just made you feel right at home. I was a college student’s wife, working full time, singing in the choir and specials, busy, busy, busy, and Bootsie always made me feel like she was my aunt. Every time we came back to Pastor’s School, she always sought me out to say hello. Heaven has one more great person there now 🙂 Thank you for the reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of not procrastinating with those we love.
LikeLike
Love you and Miss you .
LikeLike
This is a wonderful, poignant reminder. Thanks so much. I’m very thankful for YOU and this blog which gives me a little connection with you again. I didn’t realize you & Bootsie were good friends. I didn’t know her well, in spite of all the many years of “knowing” each other through church. She is missed even by someone who appreciated her beautiful countenance and faithful labor in her place at church but didn’t know her personally.
LikeLike
I’m sorry for your loss. I have known of her for quite a long time, but didn’t know her personally. I love you, my precious friend.
LikeLike
Thank you for this wonderful reminder to value our true friendships. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I am sure both of your lives were richer because of the special place you held in each others heart! Your meaningful lessons can be applied to each one of us and are something I look for at the start of each Monday morning!
LikeLike
Mrs. Hyles how sad to hear of the home going of Bootsie. I first met her in January of 1975 when I became Dr. Evans secretary at Hyles-Anderso College while my husband was a student there. She was such a joy to be around and thru her I made a life long friend named Vicki Britt. She was Vicki Bennett then and a student and volunteer worker in Bootsies office that was located right next to my office. I got two friends that day. Vicki ended up moving in with Gray family. Lived with us at our first church in Bourbonnais, Illinois and moving to Texas with us in 1980. Years have passed, children are grown, grandchildren have come and I still have my friend Vicki and my distant friend Bootsie who like you I only saw once in awhile after moving a thousand miles away. Thank the Lord for friendship and for you Mrs. Hyles and your poem. Love ya. Mrs.Lee Ann Gray
LikeLike