Good for the Heart

Earlier today, I posted the words of a grieving mother that was written nearly a year ago. I later discovered that, at pretty much the EXACT same time, she was writing these words "I don’t cry every day anymore. I think I already knew that, but this is the first time it really came into my conscious mind...Is it strange that I find it sad that I don’t cry every day? Is it strange that after making that statement I want to qualify it, by saying “I am still in a lot of pain, I am still grieving, I still miss her SO much, I still think about her every hour of every day, and I still cry lots of days, just not every day.”...It feels terrible to be so desperately sad all of the time, but I am learning, that it feels pretty crappy to NOT be sad all the time too. It feels wrong. It is not ok. Nothing makes any sense in this strange new world. And yet, this is exactly as the Bible says it will be.“ a time to weep and a time to laugh,a time to mourn and a time to dance….” Ecclesiastes 3:4 But, how can I dance? How can I dance when my little girl is not here to dance with me? Does the dancing part come in Heaven? Will we dance together?..." She goes on to write about the MercyMe song "I Can Only Imagine" and more about her grief journey. While I have never met this woman, I have told her time and again that she has taught me SO much. For that, I am grateful. Even though her loss is heartbreaking, and I pray for her and her family often. Even though I have never been a mother, she has taught me how I can help those grieving mothers God places in my path. Even though her feelings today would be considered "bittersweet", I am pleased that she is having better days. It makes my heart happy :o)
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I actually was productive for a little while today. I decided to take a little nap, and THEN I was going to write a couple of letters (that actually never got done...maybe tomorrow!). Much to my surprise, about five minutes into my "nap", my doorbell rang. And I could NOT believe who was standing on my front steps--my friend and her son who came to visit after his clinic appointment!! What an AMAZING surprise! She didn't tell me they were coming for clinic, and I was planning on sending her a letter, since I hadn't talked to her in a while. It was GREAT to visit with her. She brought me a Willow Tree gift and the NICEST card. I am a huge fan of Hallmark, especially "Amanda Bradley" cards. This is what it says:

Some people seem to specialize in doing thoughtful deeds.

Before you ask, they understand your problems and your needs.

They help because they want to, they find joy in being kind,

and making others happy is the first thing on their minds.

They make this world a better place by practicing the art of reaching out to others

and by giving...from the heart.

Thank you so much--

May you always be as happy as you make others!

Now, I realize that this is just a "Hallmark card", but she picked it for ME. Wow! Is that really me?! Sometimes I wonder. My heart needed that. My friend, she is struggling a great deal with many different things. That makes me sad, but I think "chatting" today was good for both of us. I shared with her some of the hurt I experienced yesterday, but tried to let her talk, so I could listen and help her just by being here. I think I still will send a letter. I would like to offer assistance to her in some of her "projects" at home, or something to help her during this difficult time.

Friendship...

it is wonderful gift...even "friends" who are "strangers" can make an impact. How amazing is that?! I love that God keeps sending such fantastic, unexpected individuals into my life. Now, if only I could remember to thank Him on the difficult days too!