Relationships

One of the things I'm most grateful for in this life are relationships.

Relationships that have developed over time, some beautiful, some difficult, many eternal, all a blessing.

I've already posted about my sweet daughter being so far from home and very ill...but I haven't told you "THE THING" that pulled me personally through that time.

I was in Nashville working the ZOE Conference and as always, found it to be wonderful, as well as exhausting. Imagine being thrown in a situation that requires your total attention from early morning until late at night. Non-stop...and at the same time, listening to your baby girl on the phone sound like someone you've never met before because she is so sick.

I slept very little because once I finally got to the hotel, I just laid there thinking about my sick girl. Wondering what in the world I should do. Should I change my flight and go to her?

If I were a millionaire, there would have been no question. But I'm not...so every dollar counts...

The pharmacy wouldn't give her the meds she needed because she had lost her insurance card when her purse was stolen. They wouldn't let me give her my "numbers" over the phone to pay for the meds because they have to swipe the card personally.

I finally asked to please speak to the pharmacist...

"Look", I said. "I don't know if you have children, but my baby is standing in front of you and is very sick. She desperately needs this medicine. I am a very long way from her and would like to pay for this medicine if you will please take this card number over the phone."

She put me on hold and as I sat quietly on the other end praying, I realized how much is out of my control...again.

She came back and agreed to break "policy" and allow me to pay the almost $500 bill with a card over the phone. Thank you!

That night, Lex and I talked about me changing my flight home so I could head to Abilene when we stopped in Dallas, instead of Fresno. I had one last idea. I believe I had help thinking of this because quite frankly, I wasn't thinking clearly at all.

I called a lady I've met maybe twice. "Ms Sharpie" is the name the girls from the Ko-Jo-Kai club call her. She is a precious older lady...a past Kojie herself. She attends the church with Ashley, and one of her main tasks is to take care of those girls.

I found her number and through a shaky voice told her about my girl and how sick she was...and did she think she might be able to go look in on her and let me know if I needed to come.

She reprimanded me for not calling sooner, told me how much she thought of my girl, and said she'd get right on it. And she did. She checked...and then she called me back... Here's what she said:

"Now Mama!?" (imagine in a beautiful seasoned Texan tone), "I've checked on our girl. She's sick alright...but she's gonna be fine. I don't want you to come. I don't want you to worry. I'm on it and I will continue to take care of her until she's well. I will take her to my house if I need to! I will call you often and let you know how she is. But don't come. I've got her now."

As I listened to this precious lady tell me what's what...I thought of how stupid I was for not calling sooner. Didn't even think about it. Just tried to handle it myself. Through tears I thanked her and she again assured me everything was going to be fine.

Isn't it amazing? This community we have throughout the world...all because of Jesus Christ.

I am so grateful...