My friend Tanya died unexpectedly last week. She was one of the most hospitable, servant-minded people I have ever met. She was very involved in so many things, always hosting and serving and being thoughtful. I've known her through our Finnish church and community since I was 4. She taught Sunday school, she lead youth group, she drove youth around. She was a missionary in India for awhile. The list of things she has done for people, the number of people she's clothed, cooked for, supported, housed, and/or counselled is truly immeasurable. Her staff at the care home where she was director of care raved about how she went out of her way to show appreciation for her staff. For me personally, she hosted an amazing party for me on her patio when I turned 50. She MC'd our wedding. She ran the kitchen at my dad's funeral. She hosted a buffet breakfast for all the families at our neighborhood Easter egg hunts for years. She hosted countless parties and potlucks that I was lucky enough to attend. We went camping, on girls trips, to conferences. If there was a Mother Theresa award, I would nominate her and everyone who knew her would agree. In fact, last year, she received the Order of the Lion of Finland for all her service.

So, it's hard to imagine the world, but specifically the Finnish community, without her. And it's impossible not to question why. She was still very much needed and it'll take an army of people to carry on all that she was doing. I miss her.