Birthday MONTH: Day 3

 

I believe...

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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...

The time...

The thought...

The love...

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...

The time...

The thought...

The love...

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!!!