I was blessed, and today I'm sharing my blessing.
I can say this, and share it with you, because of the wonderful soul I have been connected to. Have you ever just had the feeling that you were meant to know someone? To have someone in your life, in your presence? This happened to me around the end of January. Here's my story:
Monday, January 26th, 9:34 A.M.
I had the feeling to call a friend. Usually when I get a feeling like that, I go ahead and call, not knowing exactly why I felt compelled to call. So, I called. I was expecting Jean to answer the phone with her normal "hello" in her happy voice. What I received was not what I had expected.
Jimmy, her husband, answered the phone. I asked how Jean was, and he informed me that they were at the hospital, and was thought that she had a stroke or TIA of some sort. I could tell he was worried, and I told him to tell her I'd pray for her. I hung up with an overbearing sense that I needed to pray. So I did.
Tuesday, January 27th.
I had a lunch appt in the Woodlands with a friend I haven't seen in a while. While at lunch, I received a phone call from a VC on School Art letting me know the news about Jean and where she was. I thanked her and finished my lunch. Afterwards, I decided to go check on her, in Katy. Took a while, but by the time I got over there, I wasn't sure if they would allow visitors in ICU. I made my way onto the floor, the nurses station and asked how she was doing. The nurse on call said, "why don't you let her tell you how she's doing." With that I smiled, knowing that was an excellent sign that she was doing better. I walked down to the ICU room (corner room, I might add, roomy ;) and nice), knocked on the door and walked in.
This is where it happened.
You see, Jean knew me from school art. I've been on the committee for 5 years. I like a few people but never really connected with anyone like I have on the other committees I have volunteered for... But she didn't really "know" me, except from working shows with her over the years. She always had an infectious smile and I was immediately comfortable around her. She made me laugh, and that is a rare talent! She didn't have her nose in the air, as some other volunteers did, and she was always very sweet to me when I worked with her. Approachable. That would be a good term. This year, however, I had talked to her more than usual because I saw her and her husband at a volleyball game I was taking photographs. Their granddaughter played for that team, and I saw them there. Uncanny... yes. Appointed, I believe so. I talked to her off and on, and emailed her photos from that game. Then rodeo was approaching, and I ran into a problem. There wasn't really anyone else I knew to speak to about it, but her, so I called her. I met her at a show, and talked to her about the issue for a little bit. That's it. :)
So when I walked into her ICU room, Jimmy was near the window answering text messages from concerned friends, she was in the bed, smiling and being welcoming as usual. I instantaneously smiled, hugged her, sat and talked to her, helped her with what she needed help with, and just sat still. I sat beside her bed, held her hand, said silent prayers to God that He would be with her and help her heal, help her eyes see clearly, and to not be dizzy anymore. I felt a grace that blanketed the room. It was a bit odd, but God works in all places, and at that moment, I felt good. I felt as though she would heal. And I was so blessed to know her. God did this. Had nothing to do with me.
Their food arrived for dinner and I went downstairs and "borrowed" some lemon packets from the cafeteria so they could add lemon to their fish :) to make it more tasty. But she wasn't eating too much. Didn't have an appetite. I think I helped her walk a little, and then back to her bed. Their daughter came and I then left to give them time together. Told her I'd check on her tomorrow.
I went home that night and prayed again. Something inside of me felt the need to fervently pray for her, so I did. Still not knowing all the details of what happened, I prayed a blanket prayer for her and Jimmy. God heard me.
Wednesday, January 28th
I worked in the morning, and then headed back to Katy to check on Jean. They had moved her to her own room, so that was good. Progress. Even if a little at a time. Much happier today. Still a little dizzy. PT had her walk but didn't finish the route because there were visitors in her room and she had to stop and talk to them... So after all left, and I got up there, Jimmy went home for a bit, Jean and I walked the entire hall, down and back... slowly. She did great. She had to stop just twice because she was feeling dizzy, but caught herself. Baby steps, but steps in the right direction. Then I left around 6:45. (ran over a Nissan sentra's door on the way out, but no big deal. buldzr was fine)
Thursday, January 29th
She was released to go home. Great news. Prayed some more and felt my faith grow stronger.
There was something special about this moment in my life. Wasn't quite sure what it was yet, but I was adamant that I wasn't going to ignore this nudge from God.
From then on, I visited her and Jimmy at their home... I worked the 3D competition with Marie and Karen, because she asked me to. It sure wasn't because I was asked by anyone in my division of School Art. But I had no problem doing whatever I needed to do to help. I have invested myself in their life. Goes to show how one incident can change the world we live in. I have been unequivocally changed. So thank you, Jean and Jimmy, for letting me care. :)
I am blessed that I now not only have a beautiful blessing that I can call my friend, but another beautiful soul that God has given me to love. Thanks for being a part of my life.
And to give thanks where thanks is due...If it weren't for my mom who taught me long ago to care for others with a giving heart, helping hands, open mind, and prayers to God, I wouldn't be able to love like I love today... and I thank God every day for her and her wisdom she has shared with me. Love you Mommy!
