I've been trying to go home regularly to help out my Dad. We are at the point where conversation is almost impossible with my Mom. She just can't track you or consistently form complete sentences. But my Dad appreciates the breaks and the company. She enjoys being read to and sometimes I play the guitar, but mostly we watch TV together. Thank God for football and the baseball playoffs! But I am also starting to appreciate the ministry of presence. Sometimes, it's just nice to not be alone.
A recent development in our lives has been the purchase of a new used van. It is literally the nicest thing I have ever owned! I drive everywhere in my daily life. Tijitsu, piano lessons, cross country, hip hop class, and drama practice are just the kid's lives. I have a life too, so I am in the car a lot.
An unexpected blessing and curse of this disease, is that you have time to start downsizing as you slowly prepare for the next phase of life. You don't know the time frame and you are caring for someone in the meantime, but you know the end is coming so you start to prepare. A while back my father gave us his old motorcycle. Our new minivan (Pearl is her name) has a trailer hitch. That is such an answer to prayer for us! So on this trip home I rented a motorcycle trailer and set out for home.
But on the way to my folks, the trailer started to list very badly to the point that I thought it was going to fly off or do some damage to my new van! I was going 70 mph on the interstate when it started. Thankfully, my father was a good driving instructor so I didn't panic and gradually slowed down and got over to the side of the road. When I got out, I noticed the trailer had come completely unhitched due to the nut falling off the ball. Amazingly, it had only scratched my bumper. Thankfully, Pearl was still in good shape.
But then it started to rain and I had to figure out what to do next. Plus, I travel with my dog, so she was a wild card in the picture as well. But less than 2 minutes later, a white Subaru pulled up behind me with something sticking out of it's grill. Initially, I thought he was there to help me, but as he got closer I saw the hawk. Hawk's are much bigger than you think. I'm not sure I've ever stood within 3 feet of one but what amazed the stranger and I the most, was that the hawk was still alive. It was clearly stunned but very much alive and deeply lodged into the grill.
The stranger had some gloves and eventually pulled the hawk out of the grill. Sadly, we both agreed there was nothing really to do for the wounded hawk other than leave it by the side of the road. It was a terrible feeling for both of us. But I also saw the hand of God to allow this beautiful bird to suffer in order to bring help to me in my time of need. (Sound familiar?)
The stranger was a vet of the Iraq war and a really nice guy who drove me back and forth to Lowe's (less than 5 minutes away). Another good guy at Lowe's made sure the nut was on nice and tight and that I had the important washer that did not come with my original purchase. Within 20 minutes, we were back at the car with my dog still napping in the backseat. Amazing!
But I am also a great animal lover and wanted to check on the hawk, in hopes it had died while we were gone and was not suffering. But as I walked the highway shoulder, the hawk was gone. There was no sign of it anywhere. More Amazing!
The story is cool enough to stand on its own, but let me tell you what God spoke to me. "I am with you. I love your heart and I will make a way for you. This is a good work you are doing loving your family. I will carry you through this trying time." That is the God we serve. He provides blessings. He sends help in times of trouble. He carries us while we travel through the valley of the shadow of death.
Hold tight to His hand friend. Cast your cares on Him because He cares for you.
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