A dear family friend from The Fellowship unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on the first Monday of May. I have spent time reflecting on the tremendous impact she made on my life.
Her younger daughter and I grew up together, best friends who both went to The Fellowship. But the real impact this mother figure made in my life came much later!
About seven years ago, my dad suffered a very severe stroke that required a long, extended hospital stay. I lived In North Carolina and had an 18-month-old baby son. While the baby and I rushed back to Katy to care for my dad, my husband had to stay in North Carolina to work. Because I was my dad’s power of attorney, I took on his medical decisions, finances, and asset management overnight. Needless to say, I was extremely overwhelmed.
As my dad’s decision maker, I had to be at the ICU in the Medical Center daily. Unfortunately, babies were not allowed as it was flu season. I had never placed my baby in daycare, and the thought of searching one out or finding a stranger to watch him was even more overwhelming. I often fell to my knees in tears, praying for help because I truly did not know what I was going to do. How could I manage this -- much less navigate the grief that was overwhelming me?
Right from the start, this motherly friend let me know she was available to help with my son. I took her up on the offer and she happily, with no complaints or stress, watched my energetic 18-month-old whenever I needed it. I would drop him off with her while I spent the day at the hospital downtown. I especially remember how relieving it was on Fridays. I did not have to go to the hospital on Fridays, but this friend still took my baby so I could have some alone time to lay in bed, catch up on rest, and process everything that was happening and overwhelming me.
My husband was able to relocate to Katy, and we settled down for a prolonged stay to care for my dad who went from the hospital into a skilled nursing home. At this point, we enrolled our son in preschool, but our friend’s help did not stop. She invited me to a Bible study that had been very life-changing for her. My husband and I had tried to join a small group at church, but the evening meetings were hard to make with a little one. So, I decided to check out the Bible study; I loved it! I started going every week when possible. Studying Scripture made such a positive impact on my stress and emotional health.
This special lady also knew I had a passion for wellness – which included gardening. She invited me over to see her garden which was thriving. Because of all the tips she shared with me, I ended up starting my own garden as well. This was a great outlet for me. Our text messages consisted of conversations of neem fertilizer, nitrogen balancing, and how to keep squirrels out of the garden. How rewarding it was to share each other’s produce that was overflowing!
When looking back, I realize how this friend never stopped keeping a pulse on me – always checking to make sure we were okay. She did not have to do any of these things. Despite having her own grown children, husband, friends and many activities to occupy her time, she never failed to check in and made me feel connected during the hardest and most treacherous time of my life! All who knew this wonderful woman are very aware that such acts of kindness were just another day for her … always serving and always caring for others.
This friend was an answer to prayer when I needed it the most. I will be forever grateful and pay it forward to others in honor of her. May the Lord bless her family and may she rest in peace.
And the King will answer them:
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,
you did it to me.”
Matthew 25:40
