Joy in the Midst of Loss: The Faith Of Dee Mills (An Interview)

Introduction to Dee Mills

Set high in the northern part of Fort Kent, Me. -is a small Nursing Home, where Dee Mills now resides. She once had a magnificent home with a view of Canada across the river that surrounded her resplendent home. A home she had to give up due to hardships, and medical issues.

Dee Mills is 74 years old, a widow, and a former insurance company medical coder who retired at 55 when her company closed. Life has tested her deeply: she lost her husband suddenly after a brief illness, her home, her car, and later endured a spinal operation that left her fully disabled due to a egregious medical error. Yet- Dee never held the doctor responsible — “we are all human,” she says, “and I forgive him.”

Over the years she has faced several medical setbacks and disorders, including but not limited to lymphedema, diabetes, and breathing difficulties requiring oxygen. Still, she slowly regained mobility, now able to ambulate with her walker. Despite these surmounting challenges, Dee remains a radiant source of joy, humor, and faith.

Recently, she began a Christian Bible group in her nursing home, with her pastor who visits regularly. Gifted in the Word, she inspires others with scripture and laughter, finding light in the darkest places. Her love for the LORD is infectious and her ability to explain the verses in everyday “speech” is truly a gift of hers. She has many – but encouraging and uplifting and offering light from within to those in the darkness – especially in a nursing home, is truly her calling.

This interview took place on the phone – at 7pm when she was able to speak unencumbered by her daily care from the staff. She was happy to speak, and her voice radiated warmth, and welcomed the interview graciously.

Side note – I’ve known Dee for near 35 years. She and her hubby were dear friends of ours 20 years ago and we socialized in the same circle of Christians. We kept in touch although she moved far away to Maine, at the Canadian border!

This is my honor to give this interview as a testament to what faith looks like, even while staring down the darkest and hardest days. Dee always catapulted over the trials with aplomb, grace and love of God. Relying on Him for all that she needs.  As Dee says, “I seek His Kingdom first, today and always…” Here now the brief interview that I hope will bring inspiration to those reading this today.
Enjoy Dee – for she really is a joy and a real light in this dark world…

CD: Dee, you’ve been through so much — so many things have transpired in your life starting in your 50’s. Other than of course losing your husband, perhaps the second most impactful trial was losing your independence after that back operation. His egregious mistake cost you so much. How did you find the strength to forgive the doctor who made the error?

DEE: Oh, child, forgiveness is the only way forward. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14, “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” That doctor didn’t mean to harm me. He’s human, just like you and me. I could have carried bitterness, but bitterness is heavy. It can weigh down your soul and gobble it up if you’re not careful. But- Forgiveness is light. So, I forgave him, and I let the Lord carry me through. After all Jesus tells us to do this and far be it from me to not heed the Lord’s warnings. Oh no! Heaven’s sake I’d never want to disobey Him.

CD: That’s powerful Dee- Amen! After years of struggling with your lymphedema, diabetes, and breathing struggles, to name a few of your medical maladies- you’ve recently started walking again with help from your walker. How does that feel?

DEE: It feels like a miracle. I’m not walking like I used to, but I’m walking. Isaiah 40:31 says, “They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” I hold onto that. Every step I take with my walker is a testimony. People see me moving, and I tell them, “Look what God has done.”

CD:  Oh Dee! I’m so happy for you that you now can walk again. Praise God.  So, one big step, and a little set back. I understand you need oxygen now, and yet you still laugh and smile. How do you keep that joy alive?

DEE: Joy is not about perfect health. Joy is about knowing Jesus. Even when I’m short of breath, I can still laugh. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” So, I rejoice. I tell jokes to the nurses; I laugh at myself when I stumble with my walker. Life is too short not to smile. Laughter is contagious it brings joy to your soul and to others. Whereas bitterness will make you shrivel up like an old prune with no more juice!  (laughs loudly into the phone)

CD:  Dee! – you’re priceless. You are a funny lady; your charisma is so warming.  I heard that you recently started a Bible group with a pastor who visits you. What inspired you to do that?

DEE: The Word of God is alive, and I wanted to share it. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active.” I may be in a nursing home, but that doesn’t mean I can’t minister to others and share the good Word. So, when the pastor comes, I gather whoever wants to listen. We read, we pray, we sing. And I see faces light up. That’s the gift God gave me — to bring His Word to others.

CD: What do you want people to take away from your story?

DEE: I want them to know that no matter what you lose — your health, your possessions, even your independence — you can never lose God’s love. Romans 8:38-39 says, “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” That’s my testimony. I lost much, but I gained joy, peace, and strength in Him.

CD: Dee, you’ve shared so much about your health struggles and your faith. But I know the hardest loss you faced was your husband’s sudden passing. Would you be willing to share that with us – and tell me about that?

DEE: Oh, child… that was the deepest cut of my life. We married late — I was already older, and I thought maybe I’d never know that kind of love. But the Lord gave me 17 years with him, and they were the most fantastic years of my life. We laughed, we prayed, we shared everything. When he died suddenly, I thought I’d crumble up and die right there with him. But the Lord held me. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” That verse became my lifeline. I cried, I prayed, and I leaned on Him. Slowly, His strength became mine. Until I was completely grafted into the LORD and His promises and His Spirit, which brought comfort and an abundance of peace.

CD: That’s beautiful Dee. I know you shared an incredible love story. Please – Can you elaborate -How did your faith help you through that grief?

DEE: My faith was everything. Jesus said in Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.” I know I won’t be his wife in heaven, but I will see him again. We’ll be together with the Lord, serving the LORD together -and that gives me peace. Knowing we will be together in Eternity. I picture him whole, joyful, waiting in that better place. That hope keeps me smiling even now. And oh did I mention – Handsome as all heck! (Laughs again loudly and infectiously)

CD: Yes -that he was!  Dee – many people get angry at their circumstances…even the most devout Christians – Did you ever feel angry at God for taking him so suddenly and quickly?

DEE: No, never angry. Sad, yes. Broken, yes. But not angry. God gave me those 17 years as a gift. I could have had none. Instead, I had love, laughter, entertainment, excitement and companionship. Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” That’s how I see it. He gave me my husband, and when He took him, He gave me His comfort instead. And again – some people never find that kind of love -I did. It was brief. But memorable and oh so fulfilling.

CD: Yes Dee. Anyone around the two of you knew and could see that love. And how you enjoyed each other. It was so touching to see. You always found humor and joy in all things.  And now, even with your health challenges, you still find joy. How do you keep that spirit alive?

DEE: I keep looking for the light. Even when I’m on oxygen, even when my legs swell to the size of an elephants, I laugh. I tell jokes. I remind people that God is good. John 8:12 says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” That’s my promise. I walk in His light, even with a walker! And I know that one day, this walker will be gone when I’m called home in His Eternal light, walking the streets paved with gold! And my Ronnie will be there walking alongside me making me laugh just as he did when we were married.

CD: That’s such a beautiful image.  Thank you, dear friend, for your candor and your explicit joy of the LORD. And for sharing and giving us an example of faith and true Christianity, no matter what, you praise Him. Amen!

Dee: Always! I hope your readers will be encouraged and those who don’t know the LORD find Him and embrace Him. Because life is short, but eternity is forever. Accept Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior and you will get to the Father – because no one gets to the Father but through the Son – Amen!

 CD: Amen!

 “LORD thank You for Dee’s life and testimony. Thank You for her forgiveness, her resilience, and her joy. May her story remind us that even in weakness, Your strength is made perfect. Help us to walk with faith, to forgive with grace, and to rejoice in every season. In Jesus name, Amen.”

John 14:6. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”