It’s 3:30 AM and I can’t sleep. My hubby got paged and had to leave at 1:30 AM, and I just can’t seem to get back to sleep. Part of the reason is this:

Natalie Rose “Nattie” York

A precious gift from God,
delivered on
December 15, 1973;
returned to heaven
June 7, 2007.

“Life is too fleeting
to be wishing away today
in search of tomorrow.”
NRY
2-26-07

Hope…sometimes it is blinding like the spring sunshine. Sometimes it is a gentle warmth that comes with kind words. Sometimes it washes over you like waves in the ocean and sometimes it just envelopes you slowly. Sometimes it is like water in a dry land, but it is there if you look for it. -Natalie Rose York , April 24, 2007

I was shocked to learn of Nattie’s sudden death yesterday (Thursday) morning, via my friend Pattie. I’ve known Nattie for almost 5 years, first through several Yahoo Groups, and from there over to W@H. She was only recently (3 weeks–less than a month ago!) diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer (at age 33!).

Somehow I still believed that she would pull through, and I woke up to this shock Thursday morning. Just out of the blue– I never would have imagined. I really didn’t think she would be gone so soon. She barely got to fight, but perhaps it was better this way, less suffering for her. We miss her here as our hearts are breaking, but know that she is rejoicing in Heaven, and is in no more pain. She leaves behind two (2) young children. Please keep her family in your prayers.

This is so devastating that I just haven’t the words. I’m still in shock, and the tears come every so often. It’s amazing how someone miles away can touch so many lives! Read her journal, (and some quotes that our friend Heather has compiled) if you get a moment, and prepare to be blessed! She was a wise and incredible woman, full of truth and love. May her legacy live on.

We love and miss you, Nattie!

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

P.S. Heather also has a great list of quotes and inspiration from Nattie.