Saturday, October 3, 2009

Birthday MONTH: Day 3

 

I believe...

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I mean...I really do believe that God sends certain people to be in your life when you need them the most, even though you might not realize it at the time.

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This past week, my heart was broken. My soul was shattered. I was tired. I thought to myself, how can this be? When I am in my own little world, I am surrounded by beautiful buttons and velvet, paper and lace. My hands can create. I am so fortunate. 

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But there wasn't a button in reach that could mend the heartache I felt watching my Dad lay there confused in a hospital bed. There wasn't a single piece of velvet that could cover the eyes of my sisters and I, nor comfort us as we rotated shifts, night and day. I felt so helpless as I couldn't even lay my hands on theirs and assure my other siblings over the phone, who live so far away.

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I received a telephone call after just returning home one evening.

Company is coming. Can I handle this? I thought to myself, put on a smile and life goes on Jodie...you can do it.

Doorbell rings. Dog is barking. I open the door and one by one, they come in with smiling faces, each bearing a gift...just for me. We hug and talk about the kids. You know, the typical start of school drama...cheerleading, soccer, homework, etc. It was nice to catch up. I was starting to feel better. I was feeling human again after only 15 minutes. I'm sure it was their smiles, their laughter, the voices of precious little girls as all those things can sometimes be the best medicine.

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She said, "Now it's time to open your gifts Jodie, we've been thinking of you and we hope that you will have a wonderful birthday." Routinely, I open the bag, pull out the tissue, and my whole world stops. It just stops as I gaze down at what is in my hands. I couldn't believe it.

The personal details...

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The time...

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The thought...

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The love...

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I was speechless. I cried. (I think we all cried, happily of course). She found this photo of my Mom & Dad's first date on a previous blog post of mine. She "borrowed" it and made this wonderful 12x12 collage, just for me for my birthday. As I held it in my hands (still speechless), I could only imagine the thought, the time, the detail and the love that she put into this piece.

I gave her a hug and thanked her from the bottom of my heart. She said..."oh Jodie, but there is more!"

More? Were they trying to kill me? Here we go again!

The personal details...

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The time...

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The thought...

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The love...

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I was really speechless. I cried even more. (we all cried more).

Yes, I do believe God does bring people together. He sent me Donna that night. She brought along her two gorgeous daughters and her mother. I haven't seen nor talked to Donna since the Spring, or maybe even earlier. Her birthday was in August and I missed it. I felt really bad as August was a real bad month for me. (We were just starting to see the obvious symptoms of Alzheimer's in Dad) The month just slipped by. I felt so bad. Somehow, even with her busy schedule of being cheerleader and soccer mom, she didn't let me slip by. For that I am grateful.

Just for me. Just when I needed it most. Thank you Donna!!!!

*****

Hopefully when you read this today, I'll be strolling along the sidewalks of a city wide garage sale in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.  I'll have my camera and I'll be anxiously awaiting to come home and share my trip with you!!

I would LOVE to wish the following friends a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY today. I hope they are out doing something fun and enjoying their special day!!!!

Suzanne of Pink Roses & Other Passions

My little friend Yusef in Kuwait, son of Tammy at T's Daily Treasures

My furry little friend Miss Gracie, her human is Sharon at A Fanciful Life

Also, I shared my birth DAY on the 1st of the month with two wonderful new bloggers that I just met...

Sinta Renee of The Pink Pincushion

Carrie of La Vie en Rosie

*****

Whether it's YOUR birthday or not, I hope you are out doing something fun today!!!

21 comments:

Lori said...

Jodie, your gifts from Donna are so beautiful...that is wonderful that she was a bright spot in your day just when you needed one...i hope you are enjoying your birthday month!!!

Susie~From My Home To Yours said...

Well, you've got me in tears right now. Hang in there with your Dad, I KNOW how hard it is. Try to find joy where you can and cherish each day he is with you. God IS in control, HE loves you and takes great joy in orchestrating special moments in our lives. What amazing gifts you received...love, love, love 'em! Take care and have a blessed day...I will remember you and your family in my prayers...
Susie

Anonymous said...

Oh dear Jodie, my heart and prayers are with you as your Dad travels the journey God has laid out for him. My main consolation as my Mom moved through this was she was not even aware of her situation. She never complained, she would sleep, wake up and never be concerned with anything around her. I am so glad you had your friends come and surprise you. Those gifts are beautiful. I pray for your family as I have been through this same thing.
QMM

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

This is a beautiful posting today. God did send you joy just when you needed it most -- joy in knowing that you have special friends who care so much about you that they thought of every detail when they created something just for you! The gifts are magnificent, touching, beautiful and certainly to be cherished! And in all that you are going through, you still thought about your blogging friends who are celebrating today -- even Yusef. That is so sweet of you! I hope you have a great day in Breaux Bridge! Best wishes always, Tammy

The Elegant Thrifter said...

Jodie,

A very warm and happy birthday to you. I hope you are on that bridge taking all kinds of gorgeous photos to share. All my best, Stan

Marlene said...

Jodie, What a beuatiful gift..a heartfelt gift..those are the best kind...I wish you all the best..and understand how you feel. have fun in those sales!!! Marlene

June said...

Jodie,

What a wonderful person Donna must be! Some people just know how to touch others and make things better. Sending a big hug your way this day.

June

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Yes, I do believe that there are special people who are in your life for a purpose. Whether it is a long-time friend or a one-time blog commenter, there is always a reason and a message. Prayers for you and your family. Blessings to your thoughtful friend.

Amy

Debra@CommonGround said...

God's perfect timing and loving blessings. Have a wonderful Birthday Weekend!
Hugs, dear,
Debra

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Jodie,

I am so glad that you had some joy with the gifts, that your friends came to give you.
What wonderful and precious gifts.
Sending hugs dear Jodie and so hard with your Dad and sending you lots of strength and love to help you care for him.

Birthday hugs and I am sure that you are out doing something fun today!

Hugs
Carolyn

Tina(Taken over by her daughter, Nicole) said...

What a wonderful gift!!! Have a great Birthday month!

Glimpse of My World said...

God is great ... and so are you... enjoy the beauty he surrounds you with... Thanks for sharing such a sweet story... (came to your blog by way of Gypsy Mermaid!) Come see me anytime!

Jessica Rodarte said...

I agree Jodie, God sure knows the lovely people we need in our lives when we need them. Donna is a sweet friend. :) xoxo.

Geralyn Gray said...

What a beautiful gift......I am glad it lifted your spirits and you are out and about having some fun today! I am always so impressed with your linkage.....I am an awful linker.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Jodie, how incredibly beautiful and sentimental this was! I true keepsake to cherish! I am praying for you and your sweet daddy.

Hope you had fun today!

Lou Cinda

WIZARD OF ONCE WAS "WooW" said...

Jodie,
I've thought about you so very much in these past few weeks. I know God answers prayers for all of us, even those we didn't even realize we needed answered at the time..just like your friend Donna. The many miracles He placed before me with my late uncle that had Alzheimers were prayers answered for me and my family. I pray you will find continual comfort in those loved ones around you. Have fun "flea'n" and take lots of pictures!
My Best
Gale

The Victorian Parlor said...

Jodie,

Happy Birthday month to you!!! What a beautiful post! I just wanted to stop by before I start getting ready for church (I'm glad I didn't put my make-up on first because this post brought tears to my eyes). It is always so amazing how God can put the best people in our lives at just the right time:). I'm so glad that your friend Donna was so wonderful to you as you absolutely deserve it! You are always making everyone else feel special and I am thrilled that you received special treatment for your birthday month. The gifts that she made are truly beautiful and I know that you will treasure them. I continue to pray for your father daily. God Bless!

Blessings,

Kim
PS-Kramer says 'Happy Birthday' and that he will always love his favorite auntie Jodie:).

Cindy said...

I agree, I believe that God does indeed place certain people in our lives at just the right moment. How very blessed you are by Donna and her creative spirit and generosity. But then again, that is the the MO of most of the creative blog world gals, ain't it? I'm glad they were there to uplift ya and bring a smile to your face.

hugs,
-c
yapping cat

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

An amazing friend for an amazing women. What a beautiful memory. I'll be right with you on your birthday month.

cindy@stitches

Heather ~Pretty Petals said...

Jodie, this post has me crying! what BEAUTIFUL gifts from wonderful friends. I am sorry to hear about your Dad... I hope you are hanging in there. Catching up on some of your posts. Lots of love, Heather

Anonymous said...

Jodie,
Please tell Donna and Rose too, how much this blog has brought me happiness...
I can't imagine the surprise you had when you opened it...
Just seeing the picture, beautifully and personally adorned of Daddy and Mama....
I have tears running down my face...
but they are grateful and heartfelt tears..
of how blessed you are to be surrounded by such beautiful souls that truly know your heart...
and this gift is given at a time it is appreciated the most..
with all you are enduring with Daddy's health and condition.
I love you..
there are NO words that can express the feelings I hold now..
Please thank them for me...
for I sincerely feel their gift to you as touched me just the same....
And yes, God does send special people to us, and you (me too, and I bet many other bloggers) have been touched also by these angels sent from above!!!
God is soooooooooo good!!!
He reminds us He is with us, especially when we don't feel Him near in bad situations in our lives. But that is when He is with us the most!!!
Hugs and Tears and Smiles and Gratitude,
Karen
Continued Happy Birthdays celebrating your life and the lives of all who touch yours and all the ones you touch!!!
Okay...
Really have to go now..
All of this love is too overwhelming for me... here at the library!
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxox