Elaina

It was the best of times

It was the worst of times

I was in my third year of college 

I was in a less-than-exciting Shakespeare class 

Enter Elaina Styblo

Somehow, the dreary readings of familiar plays took on a new light, a new life

Elaina and I met, partnered up as assignment forced us together, and began a 16-year friendship. 

She brought the laughs, the light, the wit, the Blues Brothers, the challenge to my thinking. 

We sipped coffee, shared life, watched movies, quoted lines, played Shakespearean roles for our class, laughed till sides ached when the British student teacher walked straight into an easel while trying to cooly wave our way. We talked books, marriage, Jesus, Mao, and Freddy Mercury. Dietrich Bonhoeffer took on a whole new dimension through the eyes of Elaina.  I learned more about Oscar Romero than I knew about the first martyr Stephen. I loved sharing life with Elaina, and it makes me ache when I realize she's no longer a text away. I no longer have her witty comments in an instant. I miss her perspective, her passion, her perseverance. 

I text her: "We're watching "Lincoln" tonight. Have you seen it?" She writes back: "I've not seen it, but I don't think it ends well for Lincoln."  

She said the things I wished I could say but feared to verbalize. And, she said them well. 

A Chinese friend stands at the ladies' tea to share how she's experienced love in my church; she is a stranger to Elaina. No matter. E has encouragement for anyone in her path, stranger or not. Chinese friend: "I'm so sorry. My English is not very good." We're at the neighboring table, so E says, "Right. Your English is awful. You should hear my Chinese!"

So, what sticks with me? How am I better for having known Elaina Styblo? She was the real deal. I got what everyone else got. She was no chameleon. She was true. I left her each time with the reminder that it was okay, and expected, that I embrace who I am. God, the unique Creator, takes great delight in me, in each of His designs. 

Thank You, God, for Elaina. Thank you for her life. Thank you for her giving, investing, pursuing, hoping, loving life. May I be to others what she was to me.