Friday, June 29, 2012

A Light in the Storm

Inhale.

I have been in the midst of a storm this past couple weeks. Something I will choose not to share at this time because life, too, must go on. In fact, it goes on with or without me. The past couple weeks, it essentially has moved forward, while I have stayed still. Not answering emails. Waiting way too long to return texts and voice mails. Indeed life moves forward full force, for, in the midst of this storm, I got a phone call from my mom –

She and my grandma had been in a car accident. Hit by a drunk driver as they were stopped at a red light.

Let me say first and foremost, that by the grace of God, they were not hurt. They were shaken, we were frazzled, the car is in much need of repair, but their lives, their health, and their bodies were spared. For that we are thankful and forever blessed.

I will preserve their privacy and spare most of the details. I will, however, share that getting that phone call in the midst of an already emotional week almost put me over the edge. I felt like all I had asked that week was “What if?” questions and along comes more.  I raced out the door, thankful at least that the accident was nearby so I could be there for support.

But I must have been there for more than support. God wanted me to learn something that night.

As I was standing on the side of the road, waiting for the police to take statements, talking with my mom and grandma, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see the face of one of my neighbors. A nice woman who I mostly saw outside our house. We often chatted in passing; playing with our kids or coming to and from our cars. Suddenly she was there on the side of the road. She had seen me, she said. And stopped.

“You were driving by and saw me?” I asked.

“No.” she said. “I saw you leave your house. You were driving so fast - you never drive like that. I just knew something was wrong… So I followed you.”

Here, I am still flustered and confused. “You saw me leave my house?”

“Yes,” she answered. “I was so worried that something was wrong with one of your boys. It’s just you and your boys, isn’t it? I followed you to see if you needed any help.”

I cannot tell you in that moment how surprised I was, yes, but also how amazed and blessed I felt. In an instant I was in tears for a completely different reason. This woman had seen me race out of my house and took a chance to follow me. To help. Who does that?

In that moment, God reminded me that there are still good people in this world. That yes, some people will hurt you. They will be broken and you can't fix them. They will lie. They will break your heart. They will make choices you have no control over... They will drink and drive.

But, God also put people in this world who are kind. Who are honest. Who know how to love. Who have servant's hearts. Who are a light to those around them.

That night my neighbor, my now forever friend, was a light. A light in my storm.

On a side note: I spent over an hour today answering all my emails. #itsthelittlethings


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We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Rom 5:3-5)

16 comments:

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

How awesome is that! so glad that mom and grandma were not hurt and thankful for wonderful, kind neighbors.

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

It truly is in the little things. Your post makes me grateful with you for those little things. That lives were spared. That friendship is shared. That each little thing can make a big difference.

I always say, it only takes one thing to change everything.

Kari said...

I am so happy that your mom and grandma are ok. That is so scary, I have had this happen to me before and every thing turned out ok but it shakes your world.
You are so blessed to have a neighbor like that. God bless that sweet woman.
And God bless you too.
I know it can be tough, especially being a single mom.
I was one too years ago so I know how hard it can be and how much can be on your plate.
You, your mama, gramma, your sons and your sweet neighbor are all in my prayers tonight. :)

Jennifer Salter said...

Car accidents are scary. Its even worse when its the people you love! I am very glad that they are ok. I am even more glad that God was able to work through your neighbor and bring a little light into the dark place you're at. I've been in those dark places... its not fun. Sometimes people forget that its hard, you struggle for a long time to get out of that place, and they just move on with life. Its not cause they don't love you, its cause they don't understand. There was a song that got me through my darkest days... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syKpkglSsdY If you ever need to vent, share, or just a friend to talk to, I am here :)
You will make it, the sun will shine again, and the dark place will fade away.

Four Marrs and One Venus said...

Your neighbor..is one amazing lady. How amazingly sweet was that of her. I am so happy to hear your family was safe, and that everyone was ok. How scary. Thank you for sharing this girl.... amazing how One Simple Little Gesture {your neighbor portrayed} means SO much.

Kelsey said...

What an amazing story. I'm so glad your family was okay & that you were able to get a spot of comfort during it :) I'm so glad you shared your story.

Laura Vega said...

Incredibly sweet and touching. Glad you have people looking out for you :)

On a lighter note, you also now have physical proof that your driving has improved since this very nice neighbor of yours says you never drive erratically :)

Leanne @ Because (I think) I Can said...

these types of stories always put me in the ugly-cry! Thanks be to God that your grandma and your mom were okay, and then how amazing to have your own angel-on-earth there in that moment to watch out for you. I hope everything gets better for you!

xo, Leanne

Lynne said...

I am thankful that your mother and grandmother were fine. It is easy to feel alone and isolated. I'm glad your neighbor was there to remind you that you aren't alone. By the way, thank you for the lovely necklace from The Delightful Deets birthday giveaway. It arrived earlier this week, and I love it.

Unknown said...

Thank you Laura. And YES -- absolute proof that I am a SAFE driver!! :)

Unknown said...

Aw, thank you so much Leanne. God has a plan for sure. xoxo

www.gallamorewest.com said...

Wow, what a sweet neighbor you have. It's so refreshing to know that there are people like that out there still. I'm so glad your mom and grandma are safe! Can't wait to catch up with you in real life :)
xo,
Laurie

Shabby Sweet Tea said...

I'm grateful that you had a light in your storm. Darkness is always followed by light but sometimes it can be so hard to find. Stay strong sweet girl...

Canadian Beauty said...

this post literally brought tears to my eyes. your neighbor is a wonderful human being. I hope you start to feel better soon and find peace through your suffering <3

Canadian Beauty Reviews

Kelly @ View Along the Way said...

Wow! What a special neighbor you have. I love that. And so thankful to hear that your family is all okay!

Unknown said...

Thank you Kelly!! xo

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