Monday, June 16, 2014

"Miss" Sally: A Tribute

I know it's been a while, but my heart is heavy and I am hoping this will help.  Can I tell you about someone special?  Would you listen to me ramble for a few minutes?  When I got ready to begin school in Troy I had some complications regarding where I would live.  It left me with 1 option...to commute.  Through a family connection, a very dear couple who knew very little about me, offered to let me move into their home.  So I did.  When I moved in, I thought I might stay a year, but I ended up staying with them the entire time I was at Troy.  They became like family to me.  We shared dinners, long conversations, laughter (lots of laughter), beach trips, Auburn/Alabama rivalries, and so much more (my heart smiles just thinking about these things).  I came into their home at a time that I felt a little lost about where life was taking me.  I came in questioning some things that I had believed for a long time.  I am certain that "Miss" Sally listened to my sob story at least 499 times.  But she listened.  Every. Time.  She was a great listener.  My time in their home was very healing.
After college, I moved and started my first job, but we continued to call each other often.  During this time, they moved to Auburn, and I would occasionally go spend the weekend with them.  They still invited me on their family beach trips.  They had 4 children and many grandchildren so these trips were so much fun to me. They sat at the front at my wedding.  There is a precious picture of him looking at her prior to the start of the ceremony.  (They were probably in shock that I was finally getting married.)  B and I started to visit together. B is convinced she makes the BEST french toast known to man. One visit that stands out in my mind was just after we brought Ella Kate home from the hospital.  It's no secret that I was pretty sure I had ruined my life and would never sleep again.  Ever.  But "Miss" Sally and Mr. Terry brought dinner that night and I remember as they left, she said to me, "Honey, it's going to get better." She had this laugh that I can still hear. And for some reason when she said that I thought, "you know, maybe it will".  I had a little hope.  She was right.  It did get better.
Two years ago, they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.  We went and enjoyed our time.  Ella Kate was a big fan of the dance floor and "Miss" Sally enjoyed it as well.  We visited them this past March and had the best time.  We spent the day sitting outside, remembering all those times in Troy and laughing.
This precious couple had so much of an impact on my life.  They are selfless.  That is the first word that comes to mind.  I was not the first person they had invited into their home.  They represented the love of Christ.  I think you would have a hard time finding anyone who thought otherwise.  Because that was just how they were.  I have so many fond memories that I'm sure you don't have time to read, nor do I have the time to type.  But I want anyone who reads this to know that Terry and Sally Ingalls were a Godsend in my life.  Words fail me to describe just how much I love them.
This past Saturday morning, I received a heart breaking phone call.  "Miss" Sally's earthly life ended unexpectedly that morning.  Her family is heart broken, as are the many others who loved her.  My heart aches like it hasn't in a very long time.  But my hope is this:  "Miss" Sally is in heaven.  Her joy is full, and I will see her again one day. I want those who didn't know her to know about her, for she was a precious, precious lady.  We could all do well to leave a legacy behind such as hers.  Please be in prayer for her family and friends as they celebrate her life this week.  Remember that life is fleeting and precious.  Spend time with those you love.