Today, September 29

Today I celebrate the birthday of sweet Lynn. She truly is a miracle amongst all miracles and she loved me as no friend, present or past, ever could. I am so relieved that I can speak of her now with smiles and fondness instead of sadness and tears. It's a testament to the healing process and how it's neither guaranteed or on our timeline.

I know that many of you don't know Lynn's story. That's okay because her life was so much more than the story of her death. I reread the eulogy that I was fortunate to give at her funeral 9 1/2 years ago and it's as timely now as it was then. If you are interested, read on. But don't feel as if you must. I have not updated any of the grammatical issues - it just didn't seem necessary.

Happy Birthday, my sister. I hope that your 41 candles are setting Heaven afire today. 

Eulogy - June 18, 2002

"A woman of noble character, who can find?

For her price is far above rubies.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat of the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her.

Many women do noble things, but you exceedeth them all.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who feareth the Lord shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates."

The reading comes from Proverbs 31:10 and 26-31. I can't help but continue to go back to this passage as I reflect on the life of Lynn Robinson. It sums up, to me, the life that Lynn had built. Faithfulness and undying love to her husband, children and family - but above all, faith in her Lord Jesus Christ.

For those of you who are unaware, Lynn and I have been best friends since childhood. I would like to start by thanking Buddy, Janet, and Stanley for giving me, what perceive as the greatest honor. You have no idea how much this means to me and how I will cherish this for all my days.

I have thought about what I would say as I stand before you, constantly, over the past few days. Should I give you a brief history into the life of Lynn? Should I use stories to give you a glimpse into her day to day? Should I pass along words of wisdom that would help all of us understand this tragedy a little bit better?  I have decided that a little bit of each is the best option, as I could very well keep you here for a good 4 hours, should I share it all.

Elizabeth Lynn Carbaugh was born September 29, 1970 to Janet and Stanley Carbaugh. A curious, energetic, yet reserved child, she excelled in school and building friendships. She played daily with the children that lived in the neighborhood that Janet and Stanley still call home. Some of those childhood friends are here today. She continued to grow in her faith as a faithful attendee here at SCUMC. She was a member of the National Honor Society at her alma mater, James Wood High School in Winchester. She attended Lord Fairfax Community College and shortly after graduation, met the love her life, Buddy. Buddy and Lynn married on August 24, 1991 and started their lives together in a little apartment in downtown Winchester. Shortly, Rachel Elizabeth arrived to grace them with more happiness than either could have imagined. Ralph Raymond, or "BJ" as we all know him, followed four years later. Upon BJ's arrival, Lynn and Buddy decided that Lynn would leave her long-time position at Selma Medical Associates, to become a full-time mother.

Lynn was active in the Inwood Primary School PTA, the Stephens City UMC Preschool Board and here at the Stephens City UMC. She served on the Church Council and was instrumental in establishing the Partners in Faith Sunday School class that has grown from 6 members at it's inception 5 years ago, to almost 40 members now.

Those of us that spent our weekend evenings with Lynn, know that she was most affectionately referred to as "Ms. Milton Bradley." Game nights brought extremely tough competitions that usually ended in the girl’s team, myself and Lynn viciously defeating the boys team, my husband, Mike and Buddy. On the few times that we didn't win, you could see the mental gears churning in Lynn's head as she studied and memorized the answer to every question that she missed - just so it would never happen again.

Above all, she was a loyal mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, cousin, niece and friend. There was no one in her life that didn't know how she felt about them. She was an avid writer and often found that the things she couldn't say in person were best said through a card, that she usually spent hours finding the perfect one. She adored her children and spent her life teaching them to be moral, loving, and faithful citizens. Rachel and BJ are a testimony to the life she lived. She was a faithful and loving wife to Buddy and always strived to keep him on his toes. Never knowing what might come out of her mouth, we were constantly amazed at her deep thoughts and her evaluation of situations. She valued her parents, grandmother, and the life that they had formed for her. It was through their faith that she often reflected on her own journey. She would not be the woman she is if it were not for you. For that, all of us that love her thank you.

The fact that we are here now, in this place, under these circumstances, is what I think is most surprising to all of us. Although none of us can understand the whys of our presence here today, we can be sure of several things.

First, Lynn loved us all. She spent her life befriending and loving all the people she knew. This trait was a direct link to her love for the Lord. It is through her love for Jesus Christ that she loved each of us. She knew that each person in her life was a gift from God and she treasured that gift with all that was in her.

Second, Lynn is with the Savior that she called her own. It is so hard for me to say goodbye to a friend and sister as special as Lynn, but I have to know that her place in heaven is a special one. God had a very special purpose for Lynn and he is using her now for to accomplish it.

Lastly, we all cannot help but feel angry, hurt, confused and full of sorrow. God understands that. Lynn, too, I have to feel sure. In my heart, I know that Lynn will continue to support Buddy with a loving hand in the raising of their children. He will feel her guidance and love when he needs it most. Rachel and BJ, Mommy will look down on you with love and admiration at the children and eventually adults you will become. She will guide you and be with you through those happiness-filled times and the sorrow filled times. Janet, Stanley, Maw Maw and all of the rest of her family, she will continue to comfort and help, as only Lynn could. She will be there in your smiles and your tears, proud of what the Carbaugh, Petrie and Robinson families are able to achieve.

To Buddy, Rachel, and BJ - Mike and I will never be far from you. We will help, love and care for you. That is my promise to you. To Janet, Stanley, Dot and her family, my prayers for strength and healing are with you daily. You are my family too and my pain is your. And lastly, to my friend, my sister, my confidant, my spirit - your place in my heart is permanent and life long. I love you and will miss you until I join you again.

Lynn, may God bless you and may God’s peace be with each one of us.