Thank you to the over 300 people attending Jane Zimmerman's funeral to honor her life. The family was encouraged by the kind thoughts and memories shared and continue to marvel at how one person was able to impact so many lives. Early in her faith walk, she determined to love God with all her heart, soul and mind and to love her neighbors. Those neighbors were the children of the churches, schools, Wilderness Day Camp, Gold Star families, her own family (especially her husband), her many hospice families, thru hikers and even Walmart shoppers. Her vibrant love for Jesus overflowed into those "neighbors".

The past four years, she has endured terrible physical and emotional pain and loss. One night, I was awakened by my face awash with a salty slather. She was speaking to me and all those she loved in the only way she could. I embraced her, joining her tears together with mine.

Alzheimer's is a long, lonely death. Though Jane had complications, her last days were defined by its scourge.

Since the county, I am told, is per capita the "hot bed" of Alzheimer's in the state and maybe even the nation, you likely know someone with some form of dementia but what do you do? What if I cry? "Jesus wept" -- the shortest verse in the Bible and the most powerful expression of love . "I don't know what to say" --- just show up! "Let me know if I can do anything"... get creative.

Jane loved this season! She planned all year what can I give to my family to show the love of God. Always committed to "Loving her neighbor".

A recent card from one of her fellow medical field workers describes my Jane, as a child of God. "I loved her work and, most of all, her extraordinary compassion".

God's Love Story to Mankind in Jude 22, says it well too: "On some have compassion, making a difference".

Have compassion, make a difference. Love your neighbor!