We’ll say goodbye to our outrageously loving friend, Amy Pentz Christopher, this week. But I’m not ready.
She out-served, out-championed, out-checked in, out-gave, and out-encouraged us. We tried to love her well in return, but she was simply better at it. I always assumed I’d have time to return the gift of her extravagant care.
Just as her Christmas cards were the first to arrive each year, Amy always loved first. Her love for Jesus compelled her to respond quickly, and without hesitation, to those in need around her.
She was often the first to send a meal, a text, a social media request for prayer, or “coffee money” through Venmo anytime our family faced a challenge. She was our tireless caretaker.
When I shared my writing, she was the first to comment, share it on social media, and to text, “Turn your post into a book, please.” She was my cheerleader.
When our daughter with medical needs was in the hospital at Scottish Rite, her care would go before us by ensuring we had the best nurses and our favorite rooms on 4South. She often made social media calls for prayer and often sat at the foot of Evelyn’s bed, answering questions, calming nerves, bringing Squishmallows, and making space for our tears. Through some of the hardest nights of our lives, she was our hospital angel in her charge nurse uniform.
When we launched Georgia Kids Belong, a nonprofit serving kids and families in foster care, she made herself its first and biggest champion. She donated to every fundraiser and was always among the first to buy toys off Amazon wish lists. She shared almost every I Belong Project child advocacy video and prayed over the kids by name. She was our advocate.
After I heard the news of her passing, I found three posts about GA Kids Belong on her FB page during the last two weeks of her life. She served so well that I couldn’t keep up with her.
My dear Amy was simultaneously fiercely open and honest, and also a master at deflecting conversation off of herself. She was smart and funny, vulnerable and selfless. Her care for others knew no bounds.
Looking back, I see how truly lopsided her care was. Even when she went through the loss of her beloved Michael and bore the weight of her sweet Lynn Marie’s grief, on and on she served.
Despite walking together through Bible studies, adoptions, parenting, and North Metro Church life, I fear that we barely scratched the surface with our dear friend, Amy. She was simply others focused.
I hope she knew how much we loved her. Not just because she loved us so well, but because she was silly, thoughtful, and open, and her faith was an inspiration.
So, to our dear Amy, thank you. You got to the other side first, friend.
And though we’ll miss you, you served well and earned your rest in the presence of our Heavenly Father, who you love so fiercely.
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