1-15pm
When my friend Debbie came to visit in December a couple of memorable things happened. We caught all our news up over lunch at Rhodes Memorial and then hung out at my home until I took her to the guesthouse at which she was meeting Roger, Cathy & Shaun (her brother, sister-in-law & nephew). They hadn’t arrived yet, so I saw her in and then we said our goodbyes. I didn’t expect to see her again on this visit. The next day as I thought about her, it struck me that I had the perfect opportunity to pray with and for her and didn’t do it! I was so narked with myself!
Debbie at Rhodes Memorial – 19th Dec 2012
On Saturday 22nd December, Debs sent me a message asking for some info for her brother. She was flying out of Cape Town early in the evening. Roger, Cath & Shaun were driving to Mossel Bay and going to drop her at the airport on the way out of town. Only thing was, they were leaving at 10am! That meant Debs had a 7 or 8 hour wait at the airport! I immediately offered to pick her up so we could spend some more time together. I bought her back to the house and she joined me in cleaning the cottage as Julian and Jessica were arriving the next day. While busy with that I told her I had hacked the daisy bush back in the hope to get it growing nicely again. “The only thing,” I said, “is I am not strong enough to cut through the thick stems.” “Oh!” replied Debbie, “my arms are quite strong (understatement!); I’ll do it.” So she got the secateurs and got stuck in….she was soon done…
God is God of many second chances! On that Saturday, 22nd December as we went to the car to pack her case and leave for the airport, I remembered to stop and pray for her. I gave her a big bear hug and prayed for her. I can’t remember what I prayed, but I do know I prayed blessing and strength and happiness. Exactly 5 weeks later, she had a terrible riding accident and with a serious bang to the head, has spent the last 5 nights in ICU. I am thinking of her all the time. Mike goes out daily to water the back lawn and I always remind him to water Debbie’s Daisy… it looks like this now…
Debbie’s Daisy Today…
They say Debbie’s recovery is going to be slow, but like the daisy bush it will come. I’ve just got off the phone to the hospital. The sister says she had a good night last night, had some yoghurt this morning and is moving her right arm more. She’s still on oxygen, so is not speaking so much.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
This week I have been more fervent in doing upper body exercises. Pushing a few weights, doing sitting ups, strengthening my core muscles. I think of Debbie lying in hospital and I do a few more repeats. I’m doing it for Debbie. God is God of many second chances. Debbie’s may take time, but it is unfolding as I write, and good will come from this.
Hope, patience, prayer.
Always In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂