A Bloomer to the End

On Thursday afternoon, we celebrated and thanked God for the life and ministry of Vickie Bloomer.  Vickie was diagnosed with cancer in April.  From the beginning of the diagnosis, she knew that her medical options were very limited.  Her faith was not in what the medical field could guarantee, but rather in her Creator and Savior.  As she followed the protocol, Vickie continued coming to church and Bible study when she could, even when it meant using a cane and in later months a wheelchair.  Vickie majored in Bible Studies in college and attained the degree of Master of Humanities.  As a member of our Bible Study department, she brought much insight into the scriptures as well as sharing her talent of playing the piano.  When her immune system was fragile, she continued to spend her days reading and studying her Bible. She never assumed she had learned enough.  A few weeks ago, she planned her entire funeral service to ensure that scriptures, songs, and people that were important to her would be part of the service.  Even though her body was wasting away, Vickie’s desire was to be faithful and to continue to grow in her relationship with her Lord and Savior.

Street Reach, a ministry group at Tallowood, feeds the homeless in the Montrose area the last Wednesday of each month.  In December, they also provide hats, gloves, and other items to share with the people, in hopes of helping them keep warm.  A few years ago, Vickie approached the pastor of missions about knitting the hats instead of the church purchasing them.  She was undeterred when they told her they needed around 300.  Thus began “Hats 4 You” at church. Vickie talked with other people who enjoyed knitting and invited them to be part of the ministry.  By November, they had completed over 300 hats.  One of my dear friends, Cleo Heuschkell, (92 years young) is part of this group.  This year, she has knitted over 100 hats for the homeless!  Tim and Vickie’s first grandchild, Wade, was born recently.  Knowing that Vickie could no longer knit, Cleo made two hats for Wade to wear when the cooler weather arrives.  What a beautiful ministry of love from the heart that continues because Vickie saw a need that she and others could meet with time, love, and prayers.  

One of Vickie’s favorite scripture passages was Psalm 37.  Not only did she read and memorize all 40 verses, she also took it to heart, applied it, and lived by it.  Some of her favorites were:

Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:

The Lord makes firm the steps
    of the one who delights in him;

 The law of their God is in their hearts;
    their feet do not slip.

Psalm 37:4-5, 23, 31

Vickie truly learned how to bloom, grow, and make a difference, no matter what stage of life or circumstance she encountered.  Well done, Vickie.   We’re grateful for the ways God worked in and through you to bless and make a difference in our lives.  You’ve inspired and challenged us to want to do the same.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16