The river, her friend, her comforting cloak in her dark moments, now envelopes Dolores' pain, and with a Lord trusted peace, has taken it away with its powerful current.
She was an anchor to many who would moor their lives to her, even if it was for a few moments in time. Her kindness embraced others' pain and tears, and her compassion, without judgment, was pure and unrelenting like the ever present fog horns of passing freighters.
After plunging into the waters, drenched, and shivering, Dolores would be there wrapping a towel around you with words of encouragement that would soothe and warm. She was there...just always there.
We all have our tender memories of her gracious mercies. She was a highly regarded example of godliness and goodness. She had a gift of giving to us the ability to see ourselves as she saw each and every one of us. Dolores never saw anyone as unworthy of her time, attention, and love. The hospitality shared was genuine and unending like the cerulean waves dancing around wooden dock piles.
When I think of Dolores Crampton, Micah 6:8 comes to mind: "He has told you...what is good: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."
We saw her as good, God saw her as "good"---and her enduring presence and influence will continue to be a beacon of hope and goodness as we " Gather at the River..."
Soon we'll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace...
Shall we gather at the river
The beautiful, the beautiful river...