My Precious Friend, Patti

You’re Still Missed, But We’ll Meet Again

February 27, 2025

Chaplain LaVina “Viny” Burns

Sitting tonight, a dear friend of mine came to mind. It was a sad private message that came one night in 2015 sharing that she had passed away into eternity. I have so many friends that I may not speak to or see for years, but when we get together, it is like we have never been apart. Patti Almond, from Great Falls, MT was that type of friend.

Jim and I were the guest speakers at Family Camp one year in Augusta, MT. Jon and Patti Almond had come to camp in their RV, and it was our joy to be introduced. Amidst being given wrong directions, Jon, her husband, walked into our room in the Speakers Quarters and that was our first introduction. He was so embarrassed. It was fun to get to know him. Then, as the rain came down in the mornings at camp, Patti and I would have our morning coffee together in the RV, then we would walk out arm in arm, down the hill to the chapel singing to the top of our lungs while the rain destroyed our hairdos, our feet got muddy, and we had the laugh of our life! (And here I was getting ready to lead music and story time looking like a drowned rat! LOL)

Shortly after camp one day, we sat in Patti’s kitchen drinking our coffee, and she shared her story. She had been an alcoholic. When Jon left for work, she would go to the mini-mart and purchase whatever alcohol she had need of for the day. This went on and on for years. Then one day she had had enough. In her living room at 4pm she got on her knees, cried out to the Lord and gave her life fully to Him! He instantly took away the need for alcohol.

The amazing part of this story was Jon had come home early on the same day. He got out of his car, walked into his workshop (I can picture it in my mind) and there he knelt before Almighty God begging Him to forgive his role as a husband and to save him and speak to the heart of his wife. Unbeknownst to him, Patti was in the house on her knees.

Of course, I cried at the story. No, it was not all bed of roses throughout the years, but God was faithful. Now Patti has been in the arms of that same Jesus that took away her alcoholism and saved her soul! And, of course, I cried! I cried just knowing how she touched my life and strengthened my walk with Jesus. I cried for her family that loved her so much! I cried for the thoughts that she was in Heaven and one day we will spend eternity together – no miles between us!

Psalm 23 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Patti – We will meet again, cannot wait! Love and Miss You My Friend!