Takotsubo = “tako-tsubo” is a medical condition.

The origin is Japanese.

Takotsubo, sometimes called Cardiomyopathy. The clinical manifestation of a spiritual loss. A reversible condition triggered by profound psychological loss or stress. Sometimes called broken heart syndrome.

My heart is broken.

96 years! Ninety! Six! Years! Young.

For the past several years, ever since the loss of my father, she has asked me, as she has probably asked some of you, “Pamela, why has God continued to let me live? I’m ready to go now. But I don’t understand it. He continues to let me live.”

For a while, I had no response. I would be quiet. Shake my head. Or I would change the subject.

And then, one day, it struck me hard on the forehead. (smacks forehead) He let her live because she is a living example to all of us. He let her live to continue to bring others to Christ. He let her live because she still has a purpose and a message to deliver. And finally, He let her live, to pray for my sorry behind!

She was the person to talk to when the going got tough. She would shoulder your burden with you.

She had a wide yoke.

She listened.

She would give you wisdom that made you think.

And then, she would pray with you.

Her prayers, I believe, were a direct link to God.

Seriously, I think she had the ‘hot line.’

Because, trust me, if SHE made the request, it was usually delivered. God’s time, of course, but I think he rarely told her no. I believe that is why we all went to her. She understood. And she kept it real.

Growing up, how many times would I catch her, on her knees at the foot of her bed praying?

How about more than I could ever count.

We had fun! Years of it! She would take me shopping to Town North or Park Row Shopping Centers, where we would have lunch and buy pretty dresses for both of us and shoes and purses to match her outfits. Talk about a clothes horse! That woman could dress. Twice a year she would take me to Leonards over in Ft. Worth to buy Jumping Jack shoes. She would park the car and we would ride the subway train. Have lunch at the Dime Store counter. It was Glorious fun!

Once, when I was 5 years old, we rode a train together all the way from Cedar Rapids, Iowa back down to Texas! An adventure to remember.

And it didn’t stop there. I went on vacation with her and Pap-paw Dennis every summer! Well, every summer until I turned 13…and then someone else came along and spoiled my fun…(points and looks at Gregory)

Do not stand at my grave and weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die. ~ Author ~ Mary Elizabeth Frye

She did not die. She lives eternally now, with Jesus.

She was a true Prayer Warrior. Like her Mother before her, the Matriarch of our family for many years. We will miss her with ALL of our hearts.

Takotsubo. My heart breaks.

Heartbroken,

Nadine Bodine

Your Very BEST friend in the whole wide world!