Mary was well pleased with how things were unfolding. Her “Art in the Yard Sale” was Saturday and she had finished up painting enough windows for this showing. As well, she had a few nice pieces of furniture including some small chairs she had artfully reupholstered in different tapestry fabrics. Along with this she had figurines, wood pieces such as shutters, birdhouses, bows, mirrors and such to sell at very reasonable prices.
As Mary stood looking at the stuff waiting to be priced under the new gazebo that she and Robin had brought home she felt blessed. They had gone shopping and Mary had researched the prices on these shelters. There were many to choose from but the stronger, sturdier ones started at $200. There search had ended only a week ago when Robin and Mary had viewed one at Wal-Mart that seemed to be well priced. However, they left the store without it as Mary decided they needed to pray first before spending this much money.
An inspiration directed Mary to the computer where she went to the Kijiji site. Someone had just posted a used Gazebo for sale! They only wanted $30. Mary knew she had to act fast so prompted by Robin’s approval she emailed the seller back. How blessed she was for sure! Although Mary didn’t get an immediate answer and decided to go to bed she asked her husband Robin to keep checking her computer to see if she got an answer. In the past she had missed opportunities because she hadn’t hung around the computer to hear back and someone else got the object of her interest. Sure enough the next morning when Mary got up she noticed that Robin had gotten a reply and he and the other party agreed to a time for pick-up!
It had been a pretty easy ride down to the east end of Windsor. The couple they bought the pergola from were so nice and helped them put the disassembled shelter into the car. The real stress was discovering they had an almost flat tire and they had to drive in the pouring rain to find a gas station before they went any further. By the time they got the tire filled and had arrived home safely they were both exhausted.
Mary had to lie down for a while. Robin said he was going to, too, but when Mary got up he was outside with the tent half up. Mary helped as much she could with the later part of the work. It was awesome and had only a couple little tears. It had a nice canvas covering and mosquito netting to boot! Mary and Robin had been so thankful to God for this awesome answer to prayer.
With the gazebo all erected Mary was ready to unpack all the goodies for her sale. As Mary worked away each day outside she often talked to the new tenant who sat on her balcony outside the upper apartment next door. When the former residents had moved out Mary had been saddened as she had just begun to become friends with the family. But the pretty 18 year old Danielle had moved in a month later brightening Mary’s world.
She was a delight to Mary’s eyes; she could see an innocence and vulnerability in this new neighbour that was familiar to Mary. It reminded Mary of herself when she was that age. Though Danielle had been on her own since she was 15 and had been through some rough times she had maintained a sweetness and gentleness that made Mary ache to protect. Mary knew this perception and desire could only come from God who looked through Mary’s eyes and saw this young creature.
On this particular day, a very hot one at that, Danielle was on her porch sunning herself. Mary had been talking to her every day and felt maybe Danielle might think she was being too forward. She thought to mind her own business this day so continued in her work. At lunch Mary took a break and went over to see her friend Carolyn and they had a gab fest over a cappuccino at Tim Horton’s. It was a well needed break and both of them were glad for it as Carolyn had been working outside too painting her front veranda in all the heat.
Mary left and went back home to see what she could do that wouldn’t be too strenuous as it was getting so hot that it was almost unbearable to be outside pricing. As Mary looked at all her goodies and what to price next a little voice from up above cleared her throat loudly. Mary glanced upwards and saw the big smile of her new little friend looking down from her perch. “That sure is a nice gazebo”, said Danielle. The comment was an open invitation for Mary to share what their good God had done for her. Danielle was happy for Mary. It was a little bit of a surprise when Danielle next said, “Today’s my birthday”. Mary was sadly touched and wished her a happy birthday. I say, “sadly” because Mary knew that Danielle was not talking to her mother and other family members who normally would make the day a celebration.
After their short discussion Danielle disappeared into her apartment and Mary continued unpacking and pricing her goodies. Mary was thinking though. What could she do? She felt it was too early to invite her over to dinner. Her boyfriend was coming over for the evening anyways but they didn’t have enough money between them to go out for dinner. Mary’s heart sank at that thought that this very special girl would not even get out tonight on her birthday.
Mary thought back to her own past when women like Gwen had performed motherly duties in her life often sharing cards and gifts when her own mother wasn’t talking to her. In Mary’s teens and twenties her own mother had not been able to love Mary because she herself had not been loved. Mary recalled her mother telling her that she had been kicked in the rear end while washing the kitchen floor on her hands and knees. Her mother explained that she hadn’t been doing a good enough job. This picture of her mother being kicked by her grandmother stayed with Mary and helped her deal with her own mother’s rough treatment of her.
But now she had a choice to make. Here was another young woman who had a bad experience with her own mother, who possibly wouldn’t even hear from her mother never mind see her or get a card. Mary didn’t even bother phoning Robin but marched off to the store to find a card. She knew Danielle didn’t have anything. She and Robin had lugged over two chairs they had in the garage when she moved in as she didn’t even have anything to sit on! Mary couldn’t allow that; how could she ever live with herself. So Mary had offered Danielle the wing backs and between the three of them they had moved the chairs to their new home!
So Mary knew Danielle needed money more than she needed Mary to buy her some little trinket for her birthday. It would just sit on her window sill gathering dust anyways. As a result Mary went to the bank and took out some money. At home Mary wrote Danielle a short note and infolded the money and letter in the birthday card. Once she had finished Mary licking the seal she walked over and up the backstairs. She met Danielle there who fumbled for words. “You didn’t have to do that”, she said shyly.
“It’s okay”, said Mary, “sometimes God uses other woman in our life to be mother’s, Danielle, when our own can’t”. By this time Danielle had tears flowing from her eyes and Mary’s heart had welled up as big as it could get with all the warmth from giving God’s love.
Danielle and she hugged and the sweet little voice of this little chick said,” you are the only one I talk to since I came here. I have no one”. Mary hugged her again and left her to be by herself and open her card. As Mary walked away she was so grateful to have been given this opportunity to bless another.
Mary smiled a big smile to the heavenlies, to her God, and thanked Him for this chance to be somewhat of a mother to another. “Thank you”, she cried, and her own warm tears flowed down to her chest leaving stains of love on her green top. It was so wonderful, Mary thought to herself. She knew then the truth of the words, it is better to give then to receive. No gift was as grand as this, no pleasure ever better. The feeling stayed with Mary as she worked all day and even into the evening when she shared it with Robin. It had been a good day, a very good day after all.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Just Like a Mother
According to Mary one of the worst occasions they have created to celebrate is Mother’s Day. Mary use to think it was just she, who was not a mother nor ever would be one, who suffered through this day.
However, lately she was learning what it is like from the other side. Friends and siblings, all mothers or children of some matriarch, often shared their grief in response to this “special” day. It seemed to Mary people were quick to judge those who had birthed them and not until they walked in those shoes or became wiser through life’s storms did they become more compassionate to their mother.
Mary realized there was not a person equal to the icon fabricated by the trite verses on all those beautiful mother’s day cards. How many times did Mary stand frustrated and tired of trying to find just the right card. Sometimes it was impossible to be that dishonest! Sometimes she had succumbed to the media’s hype and picked the prettiest sappiest card she could find. Her mother was always pleased!
Mary decided not being a mother was sometimes a good thing. She didn’t suffer through being unappreciated and condemned for having to carry the hard line while raising a child. Mary knew it must not be an easy thing to make sure your kids ate right, dressed right, and acted right without ruffling feathers. It was so much easier being an aunt or a good friend to some younger woman.
Mary had a few women in her life who had mothered her. One stood out and played that role while Mary was married to her first husband, Peter. Gwen had lived next door to Mary for those 22 years. Although Gwen had a husband and daughter of her own to care for she always made time for Mary. Especially after Gwen’s husband, Art, died there were special occasions that Gwen never let go by without making Mary aware that she cared –just like a mother.
When Mary went to university, although she was almost 40 and old enough to do it herself, Gwen was the one who spent time and took the subway downtown with Mary to show her where she was going and where her particular college was located – just like a mother.
When Mary would finish a semester Gwen would buy a card and a small gift and take Mary to lunch- just like a mother.
When Mary was too busy to phone or come for a visit Gwen would – just like a mother.
Mary remembered a weekend up at her cottage when she and her friend Sharon went up to paint. Gwen and her friend Sally tagged along and the four women had a hoot painting, drinking wine coolers and just having fun. Gwen could let her hair down!
When Gwen got sick with pneumonia at 80 years of age Mary would often visit her – just like a daughter.
During that time she sat by Gwen’s bed, brought her candy and flowers and held her hand – just like a daughter.
When they put her on machines to keep her alive Mary fought with Gwen’s family to let her go peacefully and whispered in Gwen’s ear, It’s okay, you can go now - just like a daughter.
When it was all over and done with Mary couldn’t bear to say goodbye so she went to the funeral parlour, politely paid her respect but avoided the funeral itself. Mary only wanted to carry away with her the lovely memories of this woman who substituted for a mother over the years when her own mother was absent or didn’t know enough what it meant to Mary to be a mother.
Other woman in more recent history had mothered Mary and she appreciated this. Her two sisters had shown the care and concern over the years. They nurtured Mary by always writing emails, sending cards and forgiving her – just like a mother.
Mary knew she herself had loved and mothered her nieces, spending time with them on holidays and in the summer months – just like a mother.
She had even loved and tended friends – just like a mother.
In recent days Mary’s life was filled with the furry feet, meowing cries, and wagging tales of 5 cats and two dogs. Mary nursed these babies, took them for walks, tucked them in and even chastised them when necessary– just like a mother.
When it came down to it, Mary realized, you didn’t need to have given birth to be a mother or receive the love of one. When it came down, when you birthed love, kindness, care in another you were- just like a mother.
However, lately she was learning what it is like from the other side. Friends and siblings, all mothers or children of some matriarch, often shared their grief in response to this “special” day. It seemed to Mary people were quick to judge those who had birthed them and not until they walked in those shoes or became wiser through life’s storms did they become more compassionate to their mother.
Mary realized there was not a person equal to the icon fabricated by the trite verses on all those beautiful mother’s day cards. How many times did Mary stand frustrated and tired of trying to find just the right card. Sometimes it was impossible to be that dishonest! Sometimes she had succumbed to the media’s hype and picked the prettiest sappiest card she could find. Her mother was always pleased!
Mary decided not being a mother was sometimes a good thing. She didn’t suffer through being unappreciated and condemned for having to carry the hard line while raising a child. Mary knew it must not be an easy thing to make sure your kids ate right, dressed right, and acted right without ruffling feathers. It was so much easier being an aunt or a good friend to some younger woman.
Mary had a few women in her life who had mothered her. One stood out and played that role while Mary was married to her first husband, Peter. Gwen had lived next door to Mary for those 22 years. Although Gwen had a husband and daughter of her own to care for she always made time for Mary. Especially after Gwen’s husband, Art, died there were special occasions that Gwen never let go by without making Mary aware that she cared –just like a mother.
When Mary went to university, although she was almost 40 and old enough to do it herself, Gwen was the one who spent time and took the subway downtown with Mary to show her where she was going and where her particular college was located – just like a mother.
When Mary would finish a semester Gwen would buy a card and a small gift and take Mary to lunch- just like a mother.
When Mary was too busy to phone or come for a visit Gwen would – just like a mother.
Mary remembered a weekend up at her cottage when she and her friend Sharon went up to paint. Gwen and her friend Sally tagged along and the four women had a hoot painting, drinking wine coolers and just having fun. Gwen could let her hair down!
When Gwen got sick with pneumonia at 80 years of age Mary would often visit her – just like a daughter.
During that time she sat by Gwen’s bed, brought her candy and flowers and held her hand – just like a daughter.
When they put her on machines to keep her alive Mary fought with Gwen’s family to let her go peacefully and whispered in Gwen’s ear, It’s okay, you can go now - just like a daughter.
When it was all over and done with Mary couldn’t bear to say goodbye so she went to the funeral parlour, politely paid her respect but avoided the funeral itself. Mary only wanted to carry away with her the lovely memories of this woman who substituted for a mother over the years when her own mother was absent or didn’t know enough what it meant to Mary to be a mother.
Other woman in more recent history had mothered Mary and she appreciated this. Her two sisters had shown the care and concern over the years. They nurtured Mary by always writing emails, sending cards and forgiving her – just like a mother.
Mary knew she herself had loved and mothered her nieces, spending time with them on holidays and in the summer months – just like a mother.
She had even loved and tended friends – just like a mother.
In recent days Mary’s life was filled with the furry feet, meowing cries, and wagging tales of 5 cats and two dogs. Mary nursed these babies, took them for walks, tucked them in and even chastised them when necessary– just like a mother.
When it came down to it, Mary realized, you didn’t need to have given birth to be a mother or receive the love of one. When it came down, when you birthed love, kindness, care in another you were- just like a mother.
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Cats, the Presents and the Past
The little black and white cat showed up at their door two nights in a row. The first evening Robin had observed it favouring its back leg. He had asked Mary the next day if she had seen it, but no she hadn’t it. However, the following evening as Mary checked in on the stray cat she kept quarantined in the sunroom there at the front glass door a little face appeared staring inside at her. It was quite sad really that this little thing had no home but the town was full of stray cats.
When Mary had moved here from Toronto she never imagined there would be so many needy cats. Her first encounter with them was seven years ago when she first moved in. She was talking to her neighbour over the fence. As Mary conversed back and forth out of the corner of her eye she had first seen a little orange and white kitten and then its mother not far away.
The neighbour didn’t seem excited to see them back and explained she had already tried to get rid of this family by moving it to a new location. The momma kitty however had dragged ”them all” back behind her garage!
“There’s more?” said Mary. Her new friend motioned to the back of the shed and Mary ran excitedly to see where she pointed. There amidst some mud pots, planters, and dark soil were four more kittens. Mary had been ecstatic. But she realized she could not leave this poor little family here and bundled them all up in a box and brought them in the house.
After the excitement had worn off and the kittens had been checked at the veterinarian Mary tried to get rid of them at every organization, every pet shop, and anywhere she could think but no one had room for them. She was stuck with them.
The momma kitty had taken off. She was not fixed nor was she friendly. She had business elsewhere! However, the little darlings all became deeply rooted in Mary’s and Robin’s heart and had stayed. After a few years two of the cats had to go as they began to spray in the house. The smell had not been nice. It had been a painful experience to have to put one down and give one away. They had been lucky to find a home for the one cat. The other one had undergone every test and every method used to see if they could fix the problem of spraying. Nothing worked. Mary and Robin both felt they had lost a child when they had put the cat down. They had named it Robin and so it had a special meaning. That was a few years ago but the loss was still there.
Momma Kitty had shown up again about 6 months later pregnant. This time she stayed. Months of caring for momma kitty and her new batch of kittens were enough for Mary. Momma Kitty got fixed once the babies were old enough to find homes for them all. Thank God a local pet shop had room to take them in.
The stray that now resided in the sunroom had hung around outside under their deck and house for two years before Mary and Robin took pity on it one cold night this past winter and brought it in. It was friendly to Mary and somewhat to Robin but ran and hid when anyone came to the front door. Mary had named him Whitey when she first saw him and the name had stuck despite the poor little thing being anything but white. Whitey rarely went out now and didn’t seem any too pleased to see this new black and white cat intruding on his privacy!
Mary had fallen immediately in love because this little black and white had wrenched her heart muscles. You see when Mary had been 10 or 11 her mother had given her a little kitten- her first ever! It was identical to this little one. She had named that cat Timmy. He didn’t live long. Timmy had died peacefully. Mary had found him one morning two years after getting him. He lay stretched out in the backyard as if he was asleep. There was not a mark on him. Mary never knew what killed him. Of course, back then Mary’s mom never took their pets to the veterinarian.
Looking at the face of this new stray brought back all kinds of memories of that time period in Toronto, those years they lived across the street from the railway station. They were good times and bad times, Mary recalled.
She and her three siblings and mother lived in a big two story semi-detached with their aunt. Mary’s aunt had come along about the same time as this new kitten and around the same period as the troubles had begun. Mary’s aunt was older, in her 60’s at least physically, but mentally Aunt Annie had the mind of a four year old. Many times Mary remembered her and her sisters teasing their aunt and she would run up the stairs after them threatening them with a shoe. Often times she would lock herself outside and Mary’s mother would have to come home from school at a neighbour’s beckoning to let their aunt back in the house.
Because their mother’s small salary hardly covered the bills their aunt had been welcomed in to help with the financial end of things. Though their house had three bedrooms upstairs and two bedrooms in the attic Mary was forced to sleep with her mother in the living room. Her mother rented the three bedrooms out upstairs to different families over the next years and her other siblings and aunt slept in the attic.
They were difficult years especially the period when Mary's mom made friends with an older woman and her middle aged son. That’s when the trouble began. They used to come for visits. Just the thought of this guy made Mary feel queasy. The only visual Mary could recall was lying in her bed in their living room, and feeling his eyes on her. It still sickened her. Apparently, Martha had her troubles with him, as well, and according to her accounts she and Mary would run across the street and hide behind the railway cars that always seemed to be sitting there and waiting to leave. Just like she and her sister always seemed to be ready to run.
Whether or not Mary or her sister had told their mother Mary could not recall. However, it seemed these two visitors came less and less after a period and this sweet little kitten showed up one day in Mary’s mother’s arms for Mary – a gift. Or was it? Mary often thought afterwards that perhaps it was given to comfort Mary after what had happened. No wonder Mary still loved cats. Her mother never explained why she gave Mary this kitten. Nothing was ever said.
The little black and white cat was a reminder of another gift at another time many years earlier back when Mary was 6. The story was deep, buried, and traumatic. Nothing much was ever said about this incident or the man either. In later years, Mary confronted her mom about her male friend. Her mother denied this man could be responsible for anything that Mary had suggested. So Mary buried the trouble back down deep where it had emerged from her cavern of darkness.
However, at the very same time that her mother's friend had moved out of their house and Mary was transferred to the new school where her mother was now teaching the gifts had come. One was a pretty red polka dotted white dress with a crinoline underneath it. Mary could still remember this dress and how special it made her feel. She recalled the day wearing it out to lunch for French fries with her mom. This was the first time Mary was ever so spoilt. She remembered sitting in a restaurant –another first! Despite sitting up high on the bar stool her eyes could barely see what was on the counter. However, she was able by leaning her elbows on a slant on the corner of the counter to reach her plate of french fries with her hands. She ate happily every last, ketchup- coated stick! What a great day that had been. Over the years looking back Mary wondered about this day. Now she recognized perhaps once again the gifts were meant to comfort and make Mary feel special at a time when she was not, perhaps, treated so special after all.
When Mary had moved here from Toronto she never imagined there would be so many needy cats. Her first encounter with them was seven years ago when she first moved in. She was talking to her neighbour over the fence. As Mary conversed back and forth out of the corner of her eye she had first seen a little orange and white kitten and then its mother not far away.
The neighbour didn’t seem excited to see them back and explained she had already tried to get rid of this family by moving it to a new location. The momma kitty however had dragged ”them all” back behind her garage!
“There’s more?” said Mary. Her new friend motioned to the back of the shed and Mary ran excitedly to see where she pointed. There amidst some mud pots, planters, and dark soil were four more kittens. Mary had been ecstatic. But she realized she could not leave this poor little family here and bundled them all up in a box and brought them in the house.
After the excitement had worn off and the kittens had been checked at the veterinarian Mary tried to get rid of them at every organization, every pet shop, and anywhere she could think but no one had room for them. She was stuck with them.
The momma kitty had taken off. She was not fixed nor was she friendly. She had business elsewhere! However, the little darlings all became deeply rooted in Mary’s and Robin’s heart and had stayed. After a few years two of the cats had to go as they began to spray in the house. The smell had not been nice. It had been a painful experience to have to put one down and give one away. They had been lucky to find a home for the one cat. The other one had undergone every test and every method used to see if they could fix the problem of spraying. Nothing worked. Mary and Robin both felt they had lost a child when they had put the cat down. They had named it Robin and so it had a special meaning. That was a few years ago but the loss was still there.
Momma Kitty had shown up again about 6 months later pregnant. This time she stayed. Months of caring for momma kitty and her new batch of kittens were enough for Mary. Momma Kitty got fixed once the babies were old enough to find homes for them all. Thank God a local pet shop had room to take them in.
The stray that now resided in the sunroom had hung around outside under their deck and house for two years before Mary and Robin took pity on it one cold night this past winter and brought it in. It was friendly to Mary and somewhat to Robin but ran and hid when anyone came to the front door. Mary had named him Whitey when she first saw him and the name had stuck despite the poor little thing being anything but white. Whitey rarely went out now and didn’t seem any too pleased to see this new black and white cat intruding on his privacy!
Mary had fallen immediately in love because this little black and white had wrenched her heart muscles. You see when Mary had been 10 or 11 her mother had given her a little kitten- her first ever! It was identical to this little one. She had named that cat Timmy. He didn’t live long. Timmy had died peacefully. Mary had found him one morning two years after getting him. He lay stretched out in the backyard as if he was asleep. There was not a mark on him. Mary never knew what killed him. Of course, back then Mary’s mom never took their pets to the veterinarian.
Looking at the face of this new stray brought back all kinds of memories of that time period in Toronto, those years they lived across the street from the railway station. They were good times and bad times, Mary recalled.
She and her three siblings and mother lived in a big two story semi-detached with their aunt. Mary’s aunt had come along about the same time as this new kitten and around the same period as the troubles had begun. Mary’s aunt was older, in her 60’s at least physically, but mentally Aunt Annie had the mind of a four year old. Many times Mary remembered her and her sisters teasing their aunt and she would run up the stairs after them threatening them with a shoe. Often times she would lock herself outside and Mary’s mother would have to come home from school at a neighbour’s beckoning to let their aunt back in the house.
Because their mother’s small salary hardly covered the bills their aunt had been welcomed in to help with the financial end of things. Though their house had three bedrooms upstairs and two bedrooms in the attic Mary was forced to sleep with her mother in the living room. Her mother rented the three bedrooms out upstairs to different families over the next years and her other siblings and aunt slept in the attic.
They were difficult years especially the period when Mary's mom made friends with an older woman and her middle aged son. That’s when the trouble began. They used to come for visits. Just the thought of this guy made Mary feel queasy. The only visual Mary could recall was lying in her bed in their living room, and feeling his eyes on her. It still sickened her. Apparently, Martha had her troubles with him, as well, and according to her accounts she and Mary would run across the street and hide behind the railway cars that always seemed to be sitting there and waiting to leave. Just like she and her sister always seemed to be ready to run.
Whether or not Mary or her sister had told their mother Mary could not recall. However, it seemed these two visitors came less and less after a period and this sweet little kitten showed up one day in Mary’s mother’s arms for Mary – a gift. Or was it? Mary often thought afterwards that perhaps it was given to comfort Mary after what had happened. No wonder Mary still loved cats. Her mother never explained why she gave Mary this kitten. Nothing was ever said.
The little black and white cat was a reminder of another gift at another time many years earlier back when Mary was 6. The story was deep, buried, and traumatic. Nothing much was ever said about this incident or the man either. In later years, Mary confronted her mom about her male friend. Her mother denied this man could be responsible for anything that Mary had suggested. So Mary buried the trouble back down deep where it had emerged from her cavern of darkness.
However, at the very same time that her mother's friend had moved out of their house and Mary was transferred to the new school where her mother was now teaching the gifts had come. One was a pretty red polka dotted white dress with a crinoline underneath it. Mary could still remember this dress and how special it made her feel. She recalled the day wearing it out to lunch for French fries with her mom. This was the first time Mary was ever so spoilt. She remembered sitting in a restaurant –another first! Despite sitting up high on the bar stool her eyes could barely see what was on the counter. However, she was able by leaning her elbows on a slant on the corner of the counter to reach her plate of french fries with her hands. She ate happily every last, ketchup- coated stick! What a great day that had been. Over the years looking back Mary wondered about this day. Now she recognized perhaps once again the gifts were meant to comfort and make Mary feel special at a time when she was not, perhaps, treated so special after all.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
An Angel For Mother's Day
The incident with the “angelic” neighbour and his generous gift of lava rocks brought back the memory of a real angel that had showed up in Mary’s past. It seemed so long ago, a life time past, but the memory was still fresh in Mary’s mind as if it was yesterday and this recent encounter awakened in Mary the warm feelings of God’s love and help that arrived on that distant, long-ago day.
Despite the wonder of that day it fell on a Mother’s Day which was always filled with grief for Mary. It didn’t help that the stores were filled with all the soapy cards that she never got, or well wishers at restaurants like the one in the story I am about to tell you who offered single roses and kind words to you. They assumed you were a mother even though you were not. What was worse was that church after church, no matter where Mary went had caused a greater grief. They were always sure to ask all the mother’s to stand up and prayers and accolades were lifted on their behalf. Mary’s deficiency and lack seemed to stand out even more on Mother’s Day. Worse was that it was scriptural that children were a blessing from God. So what did that say to all those women like her who never had children? Back then when Mary was still able to bear children (yet had none) it hurt a great deal to endure Mother’s Day and suffer the great emptiness that weighed on her heart. On top of all this every year she would hear her mother-in-law say in her broken English “Next year with baby”. That never happened.
Anyways this one particular Mother’s Day Mary and Peter had taken their mothers, Peter’s father, and his sister up to Swiss Chalet on Bloor Street in Toronto to celebrate. As usual, flowers and kind words were lavished on every mother there. The sweet soul who waited on their table gave Mary as well as her sister-in-law Valerie flowers too. Mary had smiled tenderly knowing God had looked down in His compassion and lavished Mary with this gift.
Mary looked across the table at her husband and family. They had finished eating and Peter was getting up. He was ready to go. He was not a man to waste time or hesitate. Everyone knew it was time to leave. Unfortunately, not everyone was as strong and quick as Peter. Both his mother and Mary’s mother were in their 70’s. Peter’s father was very feeble and his muscles seemed to have atrophied. He was not only shrinking but shrivelling up to nothing. He could not stand straight up anymore nor take any steps without help. His head bent forward and looked towards the ground as Peter and Mary grabbed him, beneath his arms and half carried him out the door of the Swiss Chalet. This was no small feat because even though he was a small man in stature he weighed over 180 pounds!
It was at this moment something happened to upset Valerie. Mary had no memory of what actually started the “incident” that changed the whole atmosphere. It could have been Valerie’s mother who could be quite bossy with her or some teasing comment from Peter. It was his inability to be sensitive that often led Peter into trouble with every member of his family.
Whatever it was that started the trouble Mary didn’t know. What you do need to know is that Valerie was one of Peter’s two siblings who were emotionally unstable. They could be riled up at the least little thing especially when they didn’t get their way. Their mother had spoiled them since childhood and rarely said “no” to them.
Valerie was very upset this particular day and began to scream and yell. It was something that happened a lot. She had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals and doctors’ offices which plied her with pills and kept her doped up. However, there were times like these when Peter’s sister would not take her medicine and would “act out”.
As Mary watched the events unfolding in the parking lot she knew her sister-in-law would have to be taken to emergency. Between all the commotion Peter and Mary decided to take Valerie to Mississauga Hospital. Peter took his father back into the restaurant and Mary’s mother stayed at the restaurant with him. Mary would drive Peter, his mother, and his sister to the hospital. Mary would return to the restaurant afterwards and drive her mother and father-in-law home. There was nothing else to be done because Valerie was uncontrollable. It took all of Peter’s strength to hold her down in the back of the van. She lay there screaming in demonic contortions. As Mary drove she could see the movement of the two of them as they fought for control.
Mary prayed all the way to the hospital and was glad and relieved when they made it there without further incident. By the end of the ride Valerie was more subdued but they were not taking any chances and admitted her.
Mary left the three of them at the hospital and journeyed back to the restaurant to pick up her mother and father-in-law. Mary never realized how heavy her father was or how inert he had become until this day when she was forced to take hold of him and walk him to the parked vehicle around the side of the restaurant. Peter took most of the weight in the past. Mary’s mother was trying to help Mary by lending a hand on the other side of her father-in-law. She was of little help. Mary was afraid she was going to lose him, afraid he would fall and then what?
It was at this point that Mary yelled out not knowing what else to do, “Jesus please help me”. Years later her own mother would relate what Mary had said in the retelling of this story. It had become a witness even to Mary’s mom. Mary had no sooner yelled her prayer when a tall black man came up alongside Mary and her father-in-law. “Can I help you?” he said and grabbed hold of Mary’s father-in-law underneath his arm. A great weight was lifted from Mary’s shoulder and heart at this moment.
“Oh yes!” responded Mary, “oh thank you so much”. Mary was quite surprised at the next words out of this man’s mouth. He, like the neighbour with the rocks, seemed to know something about Mary. However, Mary knew in the big city of Toronto there was no way this man could have known what he did. For the subsequent thing out of his mouth was, “That’s your car parked around the side of the building, shall we take him there?”
Mary was flabbergasted! “Why yes, she said, and was about to ask him how he knew that was her minivan that was parked there. However, he interrupted her question and began to share that he often had to assist people onto the railroad cars when he worked. He was retired now. He had been a railroad conductor!
Mary, herself, had lived near the railroad station both in Fort Erie and in Toronto as a child. Coincidentally, during both periods the railroad station had been a place of comfort and escape, a haven from trouble. Martha, Mary’s sister, recounted to Mary that during periods of abuse – attempted and real, the two of them often ran together to the railroad cars to hide. Mary’s memory of these occasions were vague and she only had a funny, sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach when she thought of the people involved at those times. Her sister, Martha, held the memories. Mary, out of self-preservation had buried all but some attached feelings.
So on this day when this man showed up to help Mary she felt he was an angel sent by God. Whether it was imagination or not Mary felt God chose a railroad conductor so Mary would feel safe with this stranger as she had felt safe so many ,many years ago when she ran to the security of the train yards.
As Mary thought back to that Mother’s Day so many years ago, she still sat in wonder. For you see once the man had helped Mary get her father-in-law into the van he disappeared! Mary had turned to say something after she fastened Peter’s father’s seat belt and the man was gone. She walked to the corner, looked up and down, and he had vanished!
But the warm, loving reassurance of a God who answers prayer did not. It would always stay with her even to this day. And did Mary believe in angels? You bet she did!
Despite the wonder of that day it fell on a Mother’s Day which was always filled with grief for Mary. It didn’t help that the stores were filled with all the soapy cards that she never got, or well wishers at restaurants like the one in the story I am about to tell you who offered single roses and kind words to you. They assumed you were a mother even though you were not. What was worse was that church after church, no matter where Mary went had caused a greater grief. They were always sure to ask all the mother’s to stand up and prayers and accolades were lifted on their behalf. Mary’s deficiency and lack seemed to stand out even more on Mother’s Day. Worse was that it was scriptural that children were a blessing from God. So what did that say to all those women like her who never had children? Back then when Mary was still able to bear children (yet had none) it hurt a great deal to endure Mother’s Day and suffer the great emptiness that weighed on her heart. On top of all this every year she would hear her mother-in-law say in her broken English “Next year with baby”. That never happened.
Anyways this one particular Mother’s Day Mary and Peter had taken their mothers, Peter’s father, and his sister up to Swiss Chalet on Bloor Street in Toronto to celebrate. As usual, flowers and kind words were lavished on every mother there. The sweet soul who waited on their table gave Mary as well as her sister-in-law Valerie flowers too. Mary had smiled tenderly knowing God had looked down in His compassion and lavished Mary with this gift.
Mary looked across the table at her husband and family. They had finished eating and Peter was getting up. He was ready to go. He was not a man to waste time or hesitate. Everyone knew it was time to leave. Unfortunately, not everyone was as strong and quick as Peter. Both his mother and Mary’s mother were in their 70’s. Peter’s father was very feeble and his muscles seemed to have atrophied. He was not only shrinking but shrivelling up to nothing. He could not stand straight up anymore nor take any steps without help. His head bent forward and looked towards the ground as Peter and Mary grabbed him, beneath his arms and half carried him out the door of the Swiss Chalet. This was no small feat because even though he was a small man in stature he weighed over 180 pounds!
It was at this moment something happened to upset Valerie. Mary had no memory of what actually started the “incident” that changed the whole atmosphere. It could have been Valerie’s mother who could be quite bossy with her or some teasing comment from Peter. It was his inability to be sensitive that often led Peter into trouble with every member of his family.
Whatever it was that started the trouble Mary didn’t know. What you do need to know is that Valerie was one of Peter’s two siblings who were emotionally unstable. They could be riled up at the least little thing especially when they didn’t get their way. Their mother had spoiled them since childhood and rarely said “no” to them.
Valerie was very upset this particular day and began to scream and yell. It was something that happened a lot. She had been in and out of psychiatric hospitals and doctors’ offices which plied her with pills and kept her doped up. However, there were times like these when Peter’s sister would not take her medicine and would “act out”.
As Mary watched the events unfolding in the parking lot she knew her sister-in-law would have to be taken to emergency. Between all the commotion Peter and Mary decided to take Valerie to Mississauga Hospital. Peter took his father back into the restaurant and Mary’s mother stayed at the restaurant with him. Mary would drive Peter, his mother, and his sister to the hospital. Mary would return to the restaurant afterwards and drive her mother and father-in-law home. There was nothing else to be done because Valerie was uncontrollable. It took all of Peter’s strength to hold her down in the back of the van. She lay there screaming in demonic contortions. As Mary drove she could see the movement of the two of them as they fought for control.
Mary prayed all the way to the hospital and was glad and relieved when they made it there without further incident. By the end of the ride Valerie was more subdued but they were not taking any chances and admitted her.
Mary left the three of them at the hospital and journeyed back to the restaurant to pick up her mother and father-in-law. Mary never realized how heavy her father was or how inert he had become until this day when she was forced to take hold of him and walk him to the parked vehicle around the side of the restaurant. Peter took most of the weight in the past. Mary’s mother was trying to help Mary by lending a hand on the other side of her father-in-law. She was of little help. Mary was afraid she was going to lose him, afraid he would fall and then what?
It was at this point that Mary yelled out not knowing what else to do, “Jesus please help me”. Years later her own mother would relate what Mary had said in the retelling of this story. It had become a witness even to Mary’s mom. Mary had no sooner yelled her prayer when a tall black man came up alongside Mary and her father-in-law. “Can I help you?” he said and grabbed hold of Mary’s father-in-law underneath his arm. A great weight was lifted from Mary’s shoulder and heart at this moment.
“Oh yes!” responded Mary, “oh thank you so much”. Mary was quite surprised at the next words out of this man’s mouth. He, like the neighbour with the rocks, seemed to know something about Mary. However, Mary knew in the big city of Toronto there was no way this man could have known what he did. For the subsequent thing out of his mouth was, “That’s your car parked around the side of the building, shall we take him there?”
Mary was flabbergasted! “Why yes, she said, and was about to ask him how he knew that was her minivan that was parked there. However, he interrupted her question and began to share that he often had to assist people onto the railroad cars when he worked. He was retired now. He had been a railroad conductor!
Mary, herself, had lived near the railroad station both in Fort Erie and in Toronto as a child. Coincidentally, during both periods the railroad station had been a place of comfort and escape, a haven from trouble. Martha, Mary’s sister, recounted to Mary that during periods of abuse – attempted and real, the two of them often ran together to the railroad cars to hide. Mary’s memory of these occasions were vague and she only had a funny, sick feeling in the bottom of her stomach when she thought of the people involved at those times. Her sister, Martha, held the memories. Mary, out of self-preservation had buried all but some attached feelings.
So on this day when this man showed up to help Mary she felt he was an angel sent by God. Whether it was imagination or not Mary felt God chose a railroad conductor so Mary would feel safe with this stranger as she had felt safe so many ,many years ago when she ran to the security of the train yards.
As Mary thought back to that Mother’s Day so many years ago, she still sat in wonder. For you see once the man had helped Mary get her father-in-law into the van he disappeared! Mary had turned to say something after she fastened Peter’s father’s seat belt and the man was gone. She walked to the corner, looked up and down, and he had vanished!
But the warm, loving reassurance of a God who answers prayer did not. It would always stay with her even to this day. And did Mary believe in angels? You bet she did!
Answers to Prayers
Mary stood looking out her back window at the wonder of God’s recent gifts. Thirteen bags of rocks sat waiting to be spread and the garden had been transformed with the new addition of so many perennials, too many to count.
They were both answers to prayers. The rocks were quite a find. The stones were such a great blessing and delight. While out walking her dogs a few days earlier Mary came across all these bags of red lava rock perched on the curb in front of a pretty blue and white house. Mary’s glance moved from the treasure to the front porch of the house where the owner sat enjoying the fine spring day. Mary asked without hesitation “Are you getting rid of those stones?”
“Sure am”, came the reply from the nice man, “Do you want some?” Mary was so excited she couldn’t stand it. “Why yes, I sure would. I would love some.” The man got up from his perch and asked, “How many do you want?”
“I’ll take them all if I can have them,” she said. “I have to go and get my car though. Let me take the dogs home and I’ll be back, okay?”
“Sure thing,” said the man. With that Mary hurried off down the road. Needless to say the dogs had a quicker walk than usual as Mary wasn’t about to chance losing this opportunity to someone else driving by this house.
Mary got into her car and realized two things: first those bags were way heavier than she could ever lift. As well, when she got back to the house how would she get them out of the car. She had to drive to Windsor later to pick up Robin and she couldn’t leave all those bags in her car. Her tires would never bear the load anyways. A prayer went up heavenwards in both regards.
When Mary pulled up at the man’s house the man was waiting to give her a hand. He could see she was not strong enough to lift them and helped her get three bags in her car. At that point he looked at her and her small PT Cruiser and suggested, “Why don’t I fill up my pick-up and drop them off? I have to go to Canadian Tire anyways”.
Mary was delighted and said, “Great! Let me give you my address”.
“No, no,” came the reply, I know where you live, in that big beige house around the corner, right?”
“Why, yes,” said Mary surprised he knew where she lived but realized it was a small town. He probably saw her walking her dogs near her house. She was out with them every day so he must have seen her often.
Mary was hardly back at the house attempting to remove these leaden bags of rock when the man pulled up. How delighted she was that he arrived. Between the two of them they managed to get all the bags out on to the driveway stacked along the fence.
“Wow” said Mary when they were done, “You are a blessing from God and an answer to prayer. Thank you so much. What an angel!” she cried delightedly. “No, I am no angel,” the man protested as he was leaving. Mary smiled to herself and recalled a similar incident years ago where it really was an angel that showed up as an answer to prayer. She left that memory for further perusal for now she must run and drive to Windsor and pick up her man.
On the way to Windsor Mary delighted herself with her latest treasure and thought about the great deal on perennials she had got at a yard sale recently. She and Robin had gone shopping at Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart and checked out their supply but Mary told Robin she felt God was telling her to wait and not buy any flowers yet.
Her faithfulness had paid off as she had been blessed with 10 pots of flowers at one garage sale for 25cents each! It was so awesome to see God work as Mary trusted Him for supply. She had waited and been blessed. However, the blessing did not end there as Mary had gotten a call from Carolyn, her friend, the next day. Carolyn had left a message on Mary’s machine that she had some plants called Hens and Chicks she wanted to get rid of, did Mary want them. Did she want them, Mary thought to herself. Of course she did!
Mary didn’t even bother phoning her back with a reply but walked over to Carolyn’s house and found her digging and rooting in the back yard. The view of Carolyn bending over and working away was quite a picture from where Mary was standing beyond her fence gate. She didn’t say anything but smiled an endearing smile in thoughts of this beloved new friend.
Mary had met Carolyn a few years back when she moved here from Toronto but for a long time Mary only had a casual acquaintance with Carolyn. That was until Carolyn’s husband ended up with cancer in the hospital. Mary had made one visit to the hospital bringing a little gift with her because she knew it had to be painful for Carolyn. That one visit changed things for both of them. The relationship had grown slowly and still was growing. Both women had been through a great deal in their life and were slow to trust. That was quite okay. It was good. They had coffee together, visited a few garage and church sales over the years, and had been an ear to each other‘s concerns.
So it was with a love that had grown over time that Mary perceived Carolyn bending down working away. She watched for a while admiring Carolyn’s garden that was taking life now. Carolyn had been preoccupied with helping her son for a couple of years and so the yard had been neglected. Carolyn was quite the gardener. Mary thought Carolyn really suited the description of the woman of Proverbs 31 in every way. Mary was reminded of Carolyn when she thought of that chapter because she was “energetic and strong, a hard worker”. And like the woman in Proverbs Carolyn did watch “for bargains and her hands were always busy”.
When Carolyn’s husband had passed away she had mourned silently, still did, but Mary knew that it was a good thing for when you loved someone and gave so many years to a marriage it meant something to you. It seemed to Mary if you soon forgot your beloved who had passed what value did you place on them? It was commonsense to have bittersweet memories and a longing for that person who had been your whole identity for so many years.
But that was another story. Mary got Carolyn’s attention and entered into the back yard. They talked of many things while Carolyn pulled and dug up plants which Mary lifted from Carolyn’s hands and placed gingerly in a box to take home. Mary ended up with many flowers and not just Hens and Chicks! Mary was delighted. God had blessed her wait for His answer. She was glad she did not rush ahead of Him. Mary had learned this lesson years ago but she was not always faithful to be so patient for His answer and had often run ahead and done or bought something she shouldn't have.
Oddly enough Mary’s visit contained another answer to prayer that she and Robin had prayed about just this morning on their ride to Windsor. Despite Mary’s complaints of driving back and forth she realized that the ride to Windsor with Robin afforded them time to pray. This morning had been no different. Mary had been concerned about her spiritual life and had shared with Robin that Diane, Mary’s mentor, had suggested maybe it was time for her to go for an Encounter weekend.
Mary did not like these encounters as it meant sleeping on airbeds on the floor in discomfort. It was wonderful to experience God during these weekends but the personal attacks Mary often endured and the poor sleeping arrangements often made Mary less than willing to go. So in the car that morning Mary and Robin had prayed that if God could do something about her spiritual condition without Mary having to go on a retreat then she prayed for Him to do it. As well, she prayed if she was suppose to go on another retreat that God would show her.
So when Carolyn began talking about going on an encounter Mary smiled widely. Carolyn had the same concerns Mary did as she had a bad hip. They both felt they weren’t kids anymore to be sleeping on the floor. Mary laughed and said, “Gee Carolyn, Robin and I were just praying about me going on another encounter. And you know what: you have been on my mind. I wanted to see if you would go! And I know exactly what you mean about sleeping on the floor. I think we are both meant to go though Carolyn. This is no coincidence. I know I am not thrilled about sleeping on the floor either.”
“Well,” said Carolyn,” I am going to phone the church and see if they can get me a cot”
“Oh,” said Mary,” will you see if you can get one for me too?” Carolyn smiled and nodded, yes.
Mary walked away from the visit with two answers to prayer: the box of flowers and the decision to go the encounter. What was even better was the message on her machine later that reported that Carolyn had phoned the church. They both would get a cot to sleep on!
Mary was relieved. She knew she needed this time apart and knew God would show up. He had proven to her He not only knew her needs but was way ahead of her as usual in answering them!
They were both answers to prayers. The rocks were quite a find. The stones were such a great blessing and delight. While out walking her dogs a few days earlier Mary came across all these bags of red lava rock perched on the curb in front of a pretty blue and white house. Mary’s glance moved from the treasure to the front porch of the house where the owner sat enjoying the fine spring day. Mary asked without hesitation “Are you getting rid of those stones?”
“Sure am”, came the reply from the nice man, “Do you want some?” Mary was so excited she couldn’t stand it. “Why yes, I sure would. I would love some.” The man got up from his perch and asked, “How many do you want?”
“I’ll take them all if I can have them,” she said. “I have to go and get my car though. Let me take the dogs home and I’ll be back, okay?”
“Sure thing,” said the man. With that Mary hurried off down the road. Needless to say the dogs had a quicker walk than usual as Mary wasn’t about to chance losing this opportunity to someone else driving by this house.
Mary got into her car and realized two things: first those bags were way heavier than she could ever lift. As well, when she got back to the house how would she get them out of the car. She had to drive to Windsor later to pick up Robin and she couldn’t leave all those bags in her car. Her tires would never bear the load anyways. A prayer went up heavenwards in both regards.
When Mary pulled up at the man’s house the man was waiting to give her a hand. He could see she was not strong enough to lift them and helped her get three bags in her car. At that point he looked at her and her small PT Cruiser and suggested, “Why don’t I fill up my pick-up and drop them off? I have to go to Canadian Tire anyways”.
Mary was delighted and said, “Great! Let me give you my address”.
“No, no,” came the reply, I know where you live, in that big beige house around the corner, right?”
“Why, yes,” said Mary surprised he knew where she lived but realized it was a small town. He probably saw her walking her dogs near her house. She was out with them every day so he must have seen her often.
Mary was hardly back at the house attempting to remove these leaden bags of rock when the man pulled up. How delighted she was that he arrived. Between the two of them they managed to get all the bags out on to the driveway stacked along the fence.
“Wow” said Mary when they were done, “You are a blessing from God and an answer to prayer. Thank you so much. What an angel!” she cried delightedly. “No, I am no angel,” the man protested as he was leaving. Mary smiled to herself and recalled a similar incident years ago where it really was an angel that showed up as an answer to prayer. She left that memory for further perusal for now she must run and drive to Windsor and pick up her man.
On the way to Windsor Mary delighted herself with her latest treasure and thought about the great deal on perennials she had got at a yard sale recently. She and Robin had gone shopping at Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart and checked out their supply but Mary told Robin she felt God was telling her to wait and not buy any flowers yet.
Her faithfulness had paid off as she had been blessed with 10 pots of flowers at one garage sale for 25cents each! It was so awesome to see God work as Mary trusted Him for supply. She had waited and been blessed. However, the blessing did not end there as Mary had gotten a call from Carolyn, her friend, the next day. Carolyn had left a message on Mary’s machine that she had some plants called Hens and Chicks she wanted to get rid of, did Mary want them. Did she want them, Mary thought to herself. Of course she did!
Mary didn’t even bother phoning her back with a reply but walked over to Carolyn’s house and found her digging and rooting in the back yard. The view of Carolyn bending over and working away was quite a picture from where Mary was standing beyond her fence gate. She didn’t say anything but smiled an endearing smile in thoughts of this beloved new friend.
Mary had met Carolyn a few years back when she moved here from Toronto but for a long time Mary only had a casual acquaintance with Carolyn. That was until Carolyn’s husband ended up with cancer in the hospital. Mary had made one visit to the hospital bringing a little gift with her because she knew it had to be painful for Carolyn. That one visit changed things for both of them. The relationship had grown slowly and still was growing. Both women had been through a great deal in their life and were slow to trust. That was quite okay. It was good. They had coffee together, visited a few garage and church sales over the years, and had been an ear to each other‘s concerns.
So it was with a love that had grown over time that Mary perceived Carolyn bending down working away. She watched for a while admiring Carolyn’s garden that was taking life now. Carolyn had been preoccupied with helping her son for a couple of years and so the yard had been neglected. Carolyn was quite the gardener. Mary thought Carolyn really suited the description of the woman of Proverbs 31 in every way. Mary was reminded of Carolyn when she thought of that chapter because she was “energetic and strong, a hard worker”. And like the woman in Proverbs Carolyn did watch “for bargains and her hands were always busy”.
When Carolyn’s husband had passed away she had mourned silently, still did, but Mary knew that it was a good thing for when you loved someone and gave so many years to a marriage it meant something to you. It seemed to Mary if you soon forgot your beloved who had passed what value did you place on them? It was commonsense to have bittersweet memories and a longing for that person who had been your whole identity for so many years.
But that was another story. Mary got Carolyn’s attention and entered into the back yard. They talked of many things while Carolyn pulled and dug up plants which Mary lifted from Carolyn’s hands and placed gingerly in a box to take home. Mary ended up with many flowers and not just Hens and Chicks! Mary was delighted. God had blessed her wait for His answer. She was glad she did not rush ahead of Him. Mary had learned this lesson years ago but she was not always faithful to be so patient for His answer and had often run ahead and done or bought something she shouldn't have.
Oddly enough Mary’s visit contained another answer to prayer that she and Robin had prayed about just this morning on their ride to Windsor. Despite Mary’s complaints of driving back and forth she realized that the ride to Windsor with Robin afforded them time to pray. This morning had been no different. Mary had been concerned about her spiritual life and had shared with Robin that Diane, Mary’s mentor, had suggested maybe it was time for her to go for an Encounter weekend.
Mary did not like these encounters as it meant sleeping on airbeds on the floor in discomfort. It was wonderful to experience God during these weekends but the personal attacks Mary often endured and the poor sleeping arrangements often made Mary less than willing to go. So in the car that morning Mary and Robin had prayed that if God could do something about her spiritual condition without Mary having to go on a retreat then she prayed for Him to do it. As well, she prayed if she was suppose to go on another retreat that God would show her.
So when Carolyn began talking about going on an encounter Mary smiled widely. Carolyn had the same concerns Mary did as she had a bad hip. They both felt they weren’t kids anymore to be sleeping on the floor. Mary laughed and said, “Gee Carolyn, Robin and I were just praying about me going on another encounter. And you know what: you have been on my mind. I wanted to see if you would go! And I know exactly what you mean about sleeping on the floor. I think we are both meant to go though Carolyn. This is no coincidence. I know I am not thrilled about sleeping on the floor either.”
“Well,” said Carolyn,” I am going to phone the church and see if they can get me a cot”
“Oh,” said Mary,” will you see if you can get one for me too?” Carolyn smiled and nodded, yes.
Mary walked away from the visit with two answers to prayer: the box of flowers and the decision to go the encounter. What was even better was the message on her machine later that reported that Carolyn had phoned the church. They both would get a cot to sleep on!
Mary was relieved. She knew she needed this time apart and knew God would show up. He had proven to her He not only knew her needs but was way ahead of her as usual in answering them!
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