Troy and I had just moved to Clinton when Cyndi's husband, Carroll, got sick and spent months in the hospital in Iowa City. As Pastor, Troy (and I) would go over every month or so to see Carroll and visit with Cyndi. For those several months Cyndi drove back and forth to Iowa City EVERY DAY to be by her husband's side even though he couldn't converse much. After Carroll died, Cyndi got back involved with our church and we became even closer friends. Unfortunately the Lord moved us out of Iowa in 2007 but she faithfully called me every few weeks for these past 13 years! Cyndi was like a second mom to me, checking up on us to make sure everything was ok and filling us in on all the things happening back in Clinton. When I think of Cyndi, I think of a faithful wife and loyal friend. While she didn't mind being home with her dog, Daisy, working on puzzles, reading the newspaper, or making healthy Weight Watcher meals, she was thinking of others and trying to connect with them. Carroll was her best friend, and I think she missed him just as much this year as she did when he first died. I know that they are joyfully reunited again in Heaven in the presence of their Savior, Jesus. I will miss those phone calls and having another mom looking out for me but I'm relieved that she is not suffering anymore and is back together with her beloved husband. My heart goes out to Jenny and the rest of the family. May God be as real to you in your grief as He was to Cyndi in hers. She left a legacy of kindness on this earth and will be dearly missed. Laura Rife
