Following in Their Footsteps—Sitting in Their Wheelchair

We really don’t know how anyone feels---until—we experience their trials and pain. Some wisdom can only come with ‘age and sickness.’

Our Lord has promised that He goes before us to prepare the Way. I am reminded of that today as I walk the halls of my newest home among my new family. If not for His grace and Wisdom sent, well---a story shared speaks more than a comment.

First, it was while consoling a dying lady wanting her life to end quicker—that memories of the last ‘100’ miles come into my mind. I remind her of what it was like to take a long trip and drive those last 100 miles home. Those miles seem to go forever and never end as we yearn for ‘home coming.’ I reassure her though that ‘your journey’ finally does end and it was well worth the wait. We pray together for God to send the grace to her to have patience with these last miles as she walks this walk---and again she is reminded that she is not alone—God is with her and will not leave her side. I receive that ‘understanding’ smile and give the hug and kiss on the forehead—telling her I will be back as she sleeps again.

This memory of the last 100 miles came as I was sick and thinking that this may be the end, my journey to Heaven’s home. We were traveling 900 miles back home from my sister-in-law's funeral and my mind was processing “death” in more than one way as I drove those miles. A winding road in the darkness, with light mist falling was the perfect scene to remind me of life with all its twists and curves, darkness and tears—all for a reason. As always in all of life as He was that night-- God was there to speak, console and encourage.

In my nursing career; and in my life—wisdom has been given in many forms as God helped me through death and dying process of family members, our child, residents cared for, and friends. They all were family to me and were loved dearly. Even as a six year old child, knowledge was given as we sat at Grandpa’s death bed and prayed for hours as his life slipped through that invisible ‘door.’

But none of this ‘tender mercy’ could have been given if not for experiencing my own walk with sickness, aging, death and dying. All of the gifts within us have been carefully selected and just as carefully ‘wrapped’ in life’s events. Then these gifts are planted and our tears water the seeds that help the wisdom and compassion to grow.

And so He goes before us, to prepare the way in which we will be able to give compassion and mercy to those who need our love, especially on their darkest day, their longest mile.

In my last hour today, as I passed the Dining Room where a local church was holding services for the residents, the song “One Day at a Time” was being sung. I noticed another sweet lady in her wheel chair, frail and weak from her journey. I saw tears and a head bowed and went down on one knee so we could see eye to eye. I sang with the song and changed a few words to go with what she was dealing with. “Help me today as I age—to live one day at a time.” She smiled and shook her head, ‘yes.’ Again, I am able to reassure her that the last 100 miles seem the longest— and ---that I believed that old age comes to make sure we are prepared to go straight home to heaven when our life ends. She agreed, as she knew what I was talking about.

“I promise you my sweet sister---you will make it home to heaven safely.” And to lighten the conversation, this remark is always spoken. “God has promised me that all I love will get safely home when I pray for them—and---is He---ever in trouble with this Momma if we don’t meet there!” Those who hear this remark always laugh as we hug. (I can stand confident of this promise to them, for there is more than one Momma praying as our Lady prays with me in all of those prayers. God doesn’t lie either.)

It seems that remark reassures them more than “God loves you and never leaves you.” They know the power of a mother’s love and what she says goes, because she MEANS IT! Yes we do, cause we love like only Mommas do!

So—put your trust in God—as you travel that long last road—and He will lead you safely home. One day at a time, one step at a time, remembering that God and Mary keep all of their Promises! ((I always remind Them too---I got my eye on You, giving them a wink as I do.)