Mary

We have this client named Mary who comes into our Salon every Friday morning at 9:00am for a manicure. She is 89 years old, lives by herself, and still drives. Her husband recently died, he was well known in our community. Mary is in full mental health. She dresses to the nines! You would never believe that she is 89.

Last Friday, Mary did not show up for her manicure. It was 9:08am and Lisa, one of our receptionists, had a bad feeling. Teresa who does her manicures knew that Mary lives alone and her children do not live nearby. Mary never misses a manicure appointment. If she is going to be gone, she moves it in advance. She is usually ten minutes early. All of this to say that Mary not showing up to an appointment is a big deal. Teresa remembered that one of our clients is Mary's neighbor and her and Lisa asked me to call. I called her cell phone and left her a message asking if she knew if Mary was ok etc. At the time I left the message I never imagined that Mary was in need of help. Her neighbor called me back within 20 minutes and said that she was surprised to receive my call because that very morning, as she left for work, she noticed that Mary's garbages were not out on the street (it was garbage day) and that her newspaper was still sitting on the front porch. This was also very un-Mary like behavior. She thought maybe she was gone spending time with one of her daughters. Once she got my call, however, she too felt something was wrong and called the police.

The police were able to get into Mary's home and discovered her in her bed unable to move. They called for an ambulance and Mary was taken to a local hospital where they found that she suffered a mini stroke.

We all cried tears of joy. Joy to be a part of something so important. I never wonder if there is a God anymore, but if I did I am pretty sure this moment would have helped me to further my belief.

Of all days for Mary to have a mini stroke...Friday morning when she has a set appointment where people would notice her missing. For Lisa to have a bad feeling. For Teresa to know who her neighbor is! For me to not think to much and just call that neighbor. For that neighbor to already have been thinking something seemed off. For her to not hesitate and to call the police. For the police to be able to get into her home. Divine connectivity.

Mary is ok. She is a little weak, but other than that she is good. And, this morning her daughter brought her to her 9:00am nail appointment. She wasn't early like usual but, she was right on time. Just like God always is. Right on time.

Journey to Wings

The other night, while lying in bed, I felt prompted to write in my "Journey to Wings" journal. This is what came out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The stirrings in my heart continue.
They cause waves - thundering waves,
that if ignored will come crashing upon me.

I wish to flow with them, easily,
into my dreams that lie dormant
waiting - ever so patiently -
for me to awaken them.

I understand the creative process
is not meant to be hurried along,
but I know I am getting closer to touching
the sky.

All the wrestling, all the searching,
all the reading, all the writing,
all the knocking ... will be unveiled.
In His time.

I will see the other side of the sun.
I know darkness.
I am ready to experience joy.

I am no longer okay with being frozen.
Fear and its death grip are slowly melting.
I wish to soar, to flap my wings
loudly - clumsily - straight into the life
that I am called to.

It's no mystery. It's no well kept secret.
It is mine for the taking.
I simply must get over myself,
and look straight up.