Monthly Archives: December 2012

Merry Christmas 2012

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Mom & Dad:  I, Kandy, keep busy with the kids’ schedules, teaching at the college, coaching Math League, volunteering, and sneaking in some crafting, writing, and speaking at various churches. I have recuperated from some health issues, and I am feeling the best I have in many years. Daniel enjoys hunting and fishing any chance he gets.  He had success again in Montana, and has enjoyed his trips to SD to hunt with Sawyer. He continues to work at Schwan’s and volunteers with Hunter Safety.

Erin smileErin is now 13 years old and in the 8th grade.  She is active in 4H, Jazz band, Knowledge Bowl, Math Counts, NJHS, Student Council, FCA, FFA, youth group and of course, basketball.  She continues to play at school, any 3-on-3 tournament she can find, and on her AAU team.  About half of our year, Erin is playing on one team or another. All of her extra effort has paid off as she earned a spot on the C/B squads this year. She has grown to 5’9” and she wears size 11/12 shoes.  She volunteers as a leader in the AWANA club and she regularly babysits. Her future dream jobs are WNBA player, physical therapist, or teacher.

Reed’s Run: 2012 was our 4th and final run.  We reed's run logohad gorgeous weather, an incredible turnout, and precious memories.  We came away exceeding our fundraising goal for the 4 years.  There were so many special memories from that day: my best friend from high school, Matthew, and his wife, Kimberly,  flying up to run and share in remembering their son, Alex (Big A); that same friend organizing Reed earning his Eagle Scout status; the incredible live performance by Jesus Painter Ministries; having Sawyer’s god-brother attend his football game the night before as Sawyer’s biggest fan; family that flew and drove to be there; and most importantly, the amazing outpouring of love that we received from family, friends, and community.  www.reedsrun.com

Really great garden:  planted, tended, harvested and shared between our family and our dear friends the Bell’s.  Despite drought conditions, we had an overabundance of garden produce.  We also had our fair share of weeds.  The garden has produced much frozen, canned, and stored produce for our family for the winter, but it also provided a place for laughter, therapy, and a daily reminder of God’s abundant blessings.

Yearly traditions continue to be the things that keep our family ties strong.  A few years back we conducted a family survey on what traditions meant the most to us at Christmas.  The strong favorites were the annual sleepover under the Christmas tree, the candlelight service on Christmas Eve, and the pageant held at church.  Once again this year, our children are participating.  Sawyer has a Bible passage to read. Erin Elisabeth is playing Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.  Cloie is signing to Away in the Manger.  It is always one of my favorite days in December.

Studio B photography

Studio B photography

Cloie is soon to be 8 years old and is in the 2nd grade.  She continues to be a true delight in our family, as she is all energy and spunk.  She loves school, especially reading and math.  Cloie began piano and voice lessons this year – where she sparkles.  Our little “Sally Gal” wowed us all at Reed’s Run where she sang the national anthem flawlessly, bringing tears to the eyes of many. Her dream is to be able to sing at a Twins game. Clo continues in swimming, AWANA, and is itching for basketball to start.  Still a Cloverbud in 4H, she talked us into letting her show goats and pigeons at the next fair.  Her dream jobs are to be a professional singer or teacher.

Heavenly home – we mourn the loss of loved ones very dear to us this year.  In January, our beloved kitty, Ocho lost his short battle with leukemia.  We lost Daniel’s Aunt Imelda in April. We always enjoyed her Christmas cards. In June, we were devastated to lose the son of very dear friends.  Through AJ’s death, we have learned that God has a purpose in all our experiences as we have been able to walk alongside our friends. A few months after our visit this summer, my aunt Margaret went home to Jesus.  My aunt has always held a special place in my heart as she often said that I was the daughter she never had.  I was moved to tears when she and my uncle made a surprise day trip to come and visit me this June.  The one person I always believed was larger than life went to her heavenly home in November.  My Nannie, Katie Campbell, was my world as a little girl and will always hold a special place in my heart and memories.  Now more than ever I am THANKFUL for our long trip to Florida this summer. My children celebrated their remembrance of the most magical time spent with Nannie at the Fiesta Five Flags parade by throwing Mardi Gras beads at our outdoor remembering tree.  This morning Uncle Ted Schuler went home to Jesus.  Our hearts are filled with sadness for a great uncle who loved everyone.

Remodeling was the theme of the year in our house as we spent a large majority of the year redoing the basement.  At first, it was meant for aesthetics and organization, but it turned out to be a needed project as we discovered support beams a fraction of inch away from crumbling.  We love our “new” space and we enjoy that it truly feels like our designs.

In need of a Savior – we are so thankful that God in his wisdom knew exactly the best present that we would need for Christmas.  The first Bible verse Reed learned was an abbreviated version of Luke 2:11. “For unto us is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” Listening to the tape over and over to help him prepare for his first pageant, I am reminded of it each and every year.  As our children get older and their wish items become smaller and more expensive, we have had some great conversations about what really matters at this time of year.

sawyer & cloSawyer will turn 16 in February and is in the 10th grade.  At 6’1” and size 12 shoes, my gentle giant towers over me. This year marked milestones for him as he had his first football coaching jobs: Chad Greenway Day-to-Reach camp, Lakeview mini-camp, and Special Olympics Junior team. He loved every minute of it – coaching his SO team to 2nd place.  Sawyer is involved in Student Council, Math League, golf team, Knowledge Bowl, pep band, FFA, youth group and football.  He volunteers as a leader for AWANA, is VP for the 4H club, and is one of the huddle leaders for FCA.  This year, Sawyer has his first job, working as after-school care for two little girls, and he is working toward his lifeguard certification.  We are already starting to receive notices from colleges – YIKES.  His current career plan is to become a pastor.

Trips – we have had some incredible trips this past year.  We spent 3 weeks visiting my family down South.  Daniel drove down with us, then flew home and the kids and I drove cross-country to get home.  We loved every minute we spent seeing everyone and enjoying some of the finest beaches in the world.  We savored every bite of Southern food.  In August, we had a great daytrip to the Minnesota zoo to see the Dinosaurs exhibit and back-to-school shop.  The guys enjoyed their hunting trips.  Our visits to ND for our nephew’s wedding and for Thanksgiving were just what we needed.  The last family trip was into Canada to see “How to Train Your Dragon – the LIVE spectacular”.  Our whole family enjoyed Winnipeg, good food, and an AMAZING show.

Many special moments – this year we have started to shake the fog of deep grief.  While we will always miss Reed, our eyes have been awakened to the many, many, MANY blessings God has bestowed upon us.  I feel that we have been given spiritual vision to see our blessings daily.  We have been able to reconnect with old friends, share an unexpected laugh with many, savor good food and even better conversations, and simply live and love.  While this is in no means an exhaustive list, these are a few of my favorites.

  • Sailing and dining with my parents in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Having three generations glued to the tv at Mama’s house for 3 days to watch the Hatfields & McCoys mini-series.
  • Throwing beads in the Fiesta Five Flags parade in Pensacola with Nannie.
  • After 23 years of waiting, reconnecting with my best friend, Matthew.
  • Laughing hysterically at the largest sweet potato possibly ever grown in the state of Minnesota.
  • Successfully seeing Reed’s Run to completion.
  • Watching our nephew cry when he saw his bride.
  • Finding our special cardinal in the most unexpected places.
  • Having our breath taken away by the everyday, ordinary moments of life with our friends back here at home.

A new addition:  our hearts were too sad to replace our little, Ocho, with another kitty.  So, on Easter Saturday, we welcomed home a new little Mal-shi puppy whom we named Hiccup.  (All our dogs are named after book characters.)  We have learned that training little dogs is much more challenging than big dogs.  So there are many days that we would put him on the corner for a quarter, yet Hiccup has helped to keep Huck much younger.  Before the puppy’s arrival, Huck (age 10) still volunteered at the nursing home, but mostly slept.  Now, he wrestles with the little guy and that is quite a sight.  A ninety-seven pound golden retriever playing with a ten pound tyke is definitely entertaining.

Snow – we had snow for only one day all of last winter.  We made the most of it, and made sure to make a snowman and girl in the backyard.  Now to most people, they would say, “Count Your Blessings” and for the most part we did.  However, Sawyer didn’t get to use his Christmas snowshoes and there was no sledding or snowball fights.  But the biggest chuckle – the Christmas present we gave our entire family last year was a dog-sledding adventure.  The outfitter gave us a rain (or should I say snow)check. Since Cloie has her two front teeth, we are secretly wishing for snow this Christmas.

More importantly, we are wishing that you find the Light of Christmas in your heart always.  Merry Christmas!

Photo taken by Studio B photography

Photo taken by Studio B photography

 

 May your days be filled with blessings
Like the sun that lights the sky,
And may you always have the courage
To spread your wings and fly.

The long road home . . . Part 4

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My Nannie

My Nannie

A week ago on Wednesday, we had the Celebration of Life for my Nannie.  I was one of three family members who gave the eulogy with my mom and my uncle (her brother) being the other two.  We each shared from our own recollections as Nannie’s children and grandchildren.  Last week, my Aunt Nernie (my mom’s sister) wrote the sweetest thing on my Facebook wall.  She affirmed that I was the light of Nannie’s life as the oldest grandchild.  (The truth is all of the grandchildren were the light of Nannie’s life.  I just happened to be the first.)

Since I tend to embellish and paraphrase when I talk, my notes are not going to be exactly what I said that day, but I wanted to share with the whole world how absolutely wonderful my Nannie was to me.

Remembering Nannie –

I am Kandy Noles Stevens, and the oldest grandchild of Nannie (whom many of you know as Miss Katie).  I travelled here from Minnesota not to say good-bye, because as Christians there are no good-byes.  So I am here to say I will “See you soon” and to share with you the grandkids perspective of who our Nannie was to us.

My earliest memory in life involves my Nannie and Granddaddy.  My family lived across the street from them at the time, and I cannot remember if my brother was being born or if he was having surgery.  But nevertheless, I was at home being watched by my great-aunt.  At some point during the day, a travelling circus or petting zoo came through our part of town, and somehow a billy goat got loose, running around the neighborhood.  My great aunt was doing laundry in the carport at which point she got butted in the bumper.  Then the goat started ramming its reflection in our picture window.  I was panicked, and I did the only thing that made sense to my three year old little self.  I decided to make a break for it.  I took off across the street and I screamed, “Granddaddy, Granddaddy save me!”  My Nannie and Granddaddy came running.  Their arms around me told me I was safe and secure.

With Nannie & Granddaddy

With Nannie & Granddaddy

My mom just shared that they came from humble beginnings, and that has not necessarily been my story.  My parents moved us up from poverty to upper middle class.  I was afforded things that my Nannie nor her kids could have ever dreamed possible.  I have advanced degrees, and I have had lots of opportunities in life.  With that said, there are some things that I will never do as well as my Nannie.

  • I will never make mac-n-cheese as good as her.  I don’t really understand it, because she only made Kraft out of a box.  Mine just never tastes as good.
  • I will NEVER make chicken-n-dumplings as good as her.  And she gave me lessons 3 times.  Without her there to help, they just turn out like soup or mush.
  • I will never love and tend a plant as well as she did.  I love to garden, but whatever plant she touched just seemed to flourish.
  • I will never know how she could love a child with such abandon.  I love my children (and those I teach), but in Nannie’s presence you simply knew you were loved.

Recently I learned to crochet while I was healing from some surgeries.  My mom said she was proud of that because at least that skill would not die out with Nannie’s passing, but I will never be as good at it as she was.

My Nannie did not invent this phrase but she certainly embodied it. YOLO = You Only Live Once!  There were many things that she enjoyed that are also memories that I have of her.

She ENJOYED her stuff.  If you have ever been to my Nannie’s house, you know that she had a lot of material things.  Even though she loved to purchase items for herself, no one enjoyed gift giving more than my Nannie.  I remember one Christmas when they came to our house.  As she and Granddaddy brought in present and after present, I started to get disheartened because none of the packages had my name on them.  Finally in came a gigantic box, wrapped and emblazoned with my name.  After present opening, my Nannie shared her story.  Inside that box was the entire store display of Kenner’s Darci dolls. The cover girl fashion dolls were all the rage in 1978, and by the time, my Nannie got to the T. G. & Y. store, they were all sold out.  That did not deter my Nannie. No sir! She asked to speak to the manager. Then she worked her charm to convince him that they weren’t going to use the store display; so he might as well sell it to her and make her granddaughter’s Christmas!  That huge package was indeed the store display with all 3 dolls inside. Darci (blonde) 004

She ENJOYED her superstitions.  (At the service, there were many giggles at that line.)  I can remember one time when my family took the Amtrak to New Orleans for Easter.  We met up there with Nannie and Granddaddy and my Uncle Buddy’s family.  We spent the day down in the French Quarter and then it was time for grandparents and kids to go back to the hotel for swimming while the parents enjoyed the nightlife.  I do not like crowds and it was crowded there.  So at some point on the long walk back, I broke from the crowd and took the road less travelled.  All of sudden out of nowhere, my Nannie grabbed the neck of my shirt and yanked me around the pole to walk the same way as everyone else.  Unbeknownst to me, my non-conformity would bring us a plague of bad luck.  In case you are wondering, I am still receiving chiropractic treatments for that neck yanking.

She ENJOYED a good laugh – like the time:

  • My cousins Misty and Kristy called to say they were going to make it for Christmas after all.  They were younger than school age.  A few minutes later they “drove” into the driveway in their Little Tykes jeep.
  • The year the golden egg from the Easter egg hunt was hidden in my Uncle Mike’s hat (which was on his head at the time).
  • The time my cousin Joey found that great turtle which was great right up until the moment he discovered it was a snapper.
  • But for us grandchildren, the best memory was the Christmas Eve fireworks tradition.  My Nannie lit one, and pshewwwwwwwww off it flew.  It landed on the neighbors’ roof and promptly caught it on fire.  The laughter part was watching our Nannie run down the street, and we didn’t even know she could run.

She ENJOYED a good party like:

  • Any gathering with her Shriner or Daughters of the Nile friends at the Hadji Temple.
  • Mardi Gras or Fiesta Five Flags (My kids will always remembering throwing beads last summer).
  • A simple family gathering for dinner at her house.
  • An evening at the fish camp.
  • Or an impromptu gathering in one of the aisles at the Dollar Tree.

My Nannie ENJOYED life, and I want to leave you with three things that she believed.

She always BELIEVED in the ordinary magic of life.

If you are familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia, please raise your hand.  While we kids didn’t have a wardrobe, we did have Nannie’s dining room.  Every family gathering when the adults were at the big table, all of us kids were transported to a world far away.  While the adults were at Nannie’s house, the kids had every dinner in Paris, France.  Our Nannie’s love allowed and encouraged us to use our imaginations.

She always BELIEVED in family.

Nannie was there when my daughter Erin was born.  Erin’s delivery had some difficulties, and she couldn’t stand waiting at my house.  So she convinced my parents to take her to the hospital while they stayed with the boys.  As the day wore on and as the medical staff discovered there were problems, Nannie kept vigil on the bench outside the room.  At one point, I overheard a conversation with a nurse asking if she was the grandma.  In her calm Southern drawl, she exclaimed, “I AM the Nannie!” It was all she had to say. It explained it all.

I know that if you don’t know this last belief, my Nannie would be upset with me if I didn’t tell you that you NEED to know it.

She always BELIEVED in the love of the story of Christmas.

No one could do Christmas like my Nannie, but at the heart of that was the love that came in the present of a little bitty baby to the world.  Nannie KNEW that baby in the manger came to save us all so that one day we will be in heaven with him.

I recently asked Nannie what the first thing she was going to do when she got to Heaven.  She looked me in the eye and said, “The first thing I am going to do is hug Jesus!  Then I am going to find your Granddaddy and Reed, and we are all going fishing.”

I am certain that is exactly what happened.  The world will have a lot of Grandmas, but there will never be another Nannie.

The long road home . . . Part 3

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photo courtesy www.ohkarolle.com

photo courtesy www.ohkarolle.com

So far on my travel log, I have waxed poetically about rail transportation.  From my perspective, there is only one drawback: train stations in larger cities. This isn’t a judgment, but just an “it is what it is” assessment.  Many of the larger train stations have a disproportionate number of panhandlers and others that have not seen many of life’s blessings.  So when I disembarked in New Orleans, I knew what lay ahead of me in the station.

Normally, I would not be fazed by this, but this time I had packed 2 large suitcases (filled with Christmas presents) along with a purse and knitting bag.  I was loaded down.  Upon arrival in the station I discovered that the rental car office was not adjacent (as advertised) but rather two blocks away in the hub of the down and out.  I chose not to pick up my checked bag and started out on foot (wearing snow boots and winter coat).  I probably looked like I normally lived right outside the station carrying everything I own on my person or in one of my bags.

I left in 20 something degrees and arrived in upper 70’s.  I was the definition of a hot mess while I tried to navigate my way to the rental car mecca. To complicate matters there was major road construction outside the station, and based on the way I looked, not a single car helped by allowing me to cross the street.  While I was waiting and sweating, a man came up really, really close to me. I knew what was about to happen next, except for at this point, I was just plain ticked. So I turned around and gave him the “Don’t mess with this Momma” stare coupled with a “Don’t even think about it” verbalization because I “just might come unglued right here” on Loyola Street.  Amazingly it worked and I arrived at my destination possibly 5 pounds lighter in my own personal sweat sauna.

All was well . . . until. Until the rental car agent asked, “Do you have another driver’s license?” This was my first inkling that more trouble than almost getting mugged was brewing. Seriously, lady, what the heck? No I don’t have another driver’s license. What was she thinking?  Well, it turns out that my license expired on my birthday 13 days prior.  There was nothing that could be done except call my parents for help.

The first thing out of my dad’s mouth was, “How did this happen?”  Dad, that isn’t important right now, and what I really needed to hear was, “Okay, let me grab my Daddy super cape, and I am on my way. It will take me 3 hours, but I am on my way.” Thankfully after explaining my near mugging, the rental car folks drove me to the train station.

Back at Amtrak, I found a seat and made a few phone calls, but here I was stuck in a not- so-lovely place.  While I was making my calls, I was approached once again.  “No I didn’t have any extra money for food. Currently, I am in my own mess and I cannot fix yours.  God bless you anyways.” At this point, I noticed two sweet little ladies who also seemed to be waiting with their barrage of suitcases.

I hated to do it, but I went over and politely asked if I could sit next to them – they radiated peace and comfort. I asked if they could watch my bags so I could retrieve my checked bag.  Once back in my seat, I was approached for a third time.  “Listen sir, I am about one blink away from having a meltdown, and I am sorry I cannot help you. I can barely help myself.”

I don’t know what possessed me, but the whole story came burbling out to my now “train station” friends.  The two sweet ladies asked where I was trying to get to.  I explained Pensacola.  They asked a few questions about what highways would you take to get there.  The next thing I knew they were calling their husbands and trying to figure out how to fix a situation – me!

Eventually, I learned that they had travelled on a riverboat from New Orleans to Memphis and then rode the train back.  They were all friends from a Sunday School class, and they then were driving home to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Miss Jane and Miss Sandy just made me feel better. At this point, my stress level had gone down simply because they were there.  Finally, they got through to their husbands with a message of “Please come into the train station when you arrive, because we have a proposition for you.”

Rescuing me was the proposition.  As their husbands approached, I leaned over and said, “Is this the point where I make puppy dog eyes for them to feel sorry for me?”  We had some good chuckles. Once the Misters Marvin (both husbands share the same name) heard this story, their Southern damsel-in-distress meter kicked in and they said, “Grab your bags! We will at least meet your parents in the middle.”

One call to my dad provided another dad-ism. “Are you satisfied with this arrangement?” was followed swiftly by “Are you sure you can trust these people?”  I assured him this was a gift from God – these were Sunday School people! Somehow he must have trusted my judgment at that point.

I later learned that one Marvin is retired Air Force and the other Marvin is retired Highway Patrol.  And in all of their words, “There was no way we were leaving you there.”

And so here we were on our way to somewhere in Mississippi to drop off the newly adopted daughter with her biological parent.  Along the way, we shared our stories and, more importantly, our faith – the whole time I was praising Jesus in the storm for sending me the best guardian angels this side of heaven.

The best part was what my dad saw when we met at our drop-off location.  Here was his wayward daughter (who NEVER got a notice to renew her license) flanked by one couple on each side.  Earlier, I suggested they just leave me at a Cracker Barrel, where I could rock on the porch, but they wouldn’t dream of it.

Instead they waited to deliver me straight into my Daddy’s hands.  It was the best picture image I will ever have.  It reminded me of all the people of faith that have helped mold and shape me (including the one that was the reason for my travels) who have helped usher me -one day – into my Heavenly Daddy’s hands. For that I am incredibly blessed!

The long road home . . . Part 2

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Photo courtesy of www.bmwmoa.org

Photo courtesy of www.bmwmoa.org

There were several things that I learned or realized about myself on my trip home.  One of the most sobering was, as the oldest grandchild (now without grandparents), I am one generation away from being the matriarch of a family.  That was a humbling and overwhelming epiphany.  Another affirmation was I will always be a Southern girl at heart, and there are just some things that only true Southerners appreciate.  A prime example is grits, which I savored every bite each morning on the train.  A third was something I have grappled with for a long time – not taking time for myself and something that my Nannie worried about.

As confessed yesterday, my aversion to flying played a factor in my decision to take the train to New Orleans and then drive from there.  But the reality of the having 31 hours of uninterrupted time was beyond appealing to this harried mom.  From the moment, we brought Reed into this world, I have put my own personal desires a distance fourth or fifth place (after Daniel’s, my kids, work, church/volunteering – you get the idea).  When it comes to making sacrifices, my heart’s desires are the first I throw out the window.

Another realization is that while I don’t remember my age half the time, my body certainly does which is why I inquired into the cost of a sleeper car accommodation for the longer train trip.  When I discovered how affordable it was, I took the plunge.  After I had paid the fare, the ticket agent explained all my meals were included, and my wait time would be in the First Class lounge (safe and seccure) where there are drinks, snacks, free internet, and cable for those waiting. Wow! I was just expecting a bed where I could stretch out.

Upon boarding my sleeper car, I learned that were other desirable perks.  Someone turns down my bed (complete with chocolates and water bottles), priority seating at meal times, fabulous meals rivaling some great restaurants, someone makes my bed in the morning, towel service with most toiletries available for the shower room, and my favorite: free beverage service with all the ice I could ever want is available the entire trip. I learned that I could sleep in and no one would care or ask me to make breakfast or find their lost shoes or backpack.  I could just sit in solitude and be peaceful without interruption or having to do the laundry.  I was amazed at how good it felt to be pampered. Manny, my porter, was sweet and compassionate when I explained the nature of my trip.  To be honest, he doted on me. I felt like the Belle of the South on the train.

After my first meal of amazing Cajun pasta, I retreated to my sleeper to ponder how I was feeling.  More importantly, why when I was travelling a grief journey did these small touches make me feel so special?  It didn’t take me long to come to the realization that it had been a very LONG time that I had done something just for me.  The only thing I regularly do for me is to visit my hair stylist.

My head swirled with thoughts of how did I get like this mixed in with memories of my Nannie who was all about pampering.  My Nannie took carpe diem to an altogether new level while I somehow live a life of self-imposed martyrdom.  What happened to me?  I don’t think I was always this worried, stressed or self-sacrificing.  I was not oblivious to the fact that I was impressed with pampering on the Amtrak and that I was not at the Ritz-Carlton.

This self-denial is a long and entrenched behavior, but on that southbound train, I made a promise to myself to start doing some things just for me.  Somehow I know that my Nannie would be saying, “Hallelujah! It’s about time!”  And who knows? I just might like it!

If you see glimpses of yourself in my blog today, please, please, please take time for you and write a response telling me what you chose to do for yourself.  I love to hear from my readers, and it would be an encouragement to me to keep my own promise.

 

The long road home . . . Part 1

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22LVtrain1For the upcoming weeks, I am planning two series of writings about things near and dear to my heart.  This week will be about the adventure I took going back to Florida to help with the services for my Nannie (my maternal grandmother).  As a Christian, I did not go to say good-bye; I went to remember the amazing times and to say “I’ll see you soon”.  This travel blog will be about the things I learned about myself and the revelations that God had in store for me as well as remembrances of my Nannie.

Many know that I love a good bargain, and some know that I have a general aversion to flying solo.  So when the news of my Nannie’s passing arrived I wasn’t sure what to do.  I will be honest and say that my Nannie (whom I love and adore) had hoarding issues.  My quandary was to attend the services or to come at a later time to help with the clean-up (which I knew would be needed).  After hearing the sadness in my mom’s voice, I knew I needed to go for the services to support her.

Thus I found myself traveling by Amtrak (which I have always enjoyed) leaving my home at 4 AM in order to board on time. Right away in the depot, I met a delightful new friend who became my travelling partner on the first leg of the trip.  While awaiting the train’s arrival, we settled in on the vintage railroad benches in the original depot in Red Wing, MN, introducing ourselves.  It was an instantaneous liking that I am often blessed to find in my life.

She was travelling for business and was a first-time rail passenger with my journey more somber as a seasoned Amtrak customer.  We found seats near each other, and we watched each other’s items as one or the other of us walked about the train.  She settled in working on Christmas cards, and I settled in and slept (not having done so much for the week prior while fretting about my Nannie).  Later during one of our visits, we discovered our mutual love of our dogs – both being the proud mommas of goldens and our mutual love of all natural foods.

She was simply a gift as my long journey home had just begun.  We made plans to perhaps go out for dinner in Chicago, but due to a late arrival and my choice to upgrade to first class sleeping accommodations, it just didn’t work out.  We exchanged information and her Christmas card (so sweet), and we said our good-byes. It was a few moments later that God’s first revelation on this trip hit me.

A week before I left I had seen a sweet little story about childhood friends reconnecting over Facebook after many years. I spent a couple afternoons looking for my elementary best buddy, Teresa.  We were inseparable but lost contact when my family moved away.  My searches were fruitless, and that left me sad lamenting about the old saying that some people come into our lives for brief moment while others last a lifetime.  I am certain my enhanced melancholy had more to do with trying to keep my mind busy while my Nannie was lingering in the hospital.

As I watched my friend ride the escalator up out of the belly of Union Station, God revealed to me that He did answer my searches . . . just not the way I was expecting.  My new friend that He provided to usher me along the start of the journey was named –  Theresa!  With a few tears came the recognition of a reaped blessing through a prayer answered in God’s perfect way!