by toogie 07 Jun 2017

Hello Cuties. If you have the time this is something I'd like to share.

Late yesterday afternoon or early evening, my daughter sent me a text. It was from her church so she forwarded it to me. They have a new young couple that just started and the young lady's name is Brittany. Brittany has two younger sisters, ages 21 and 18. Well, the 18 year old died and the church was asking members to prepare food for the wake, or if they couldn't to please ask others. So..my daughter said 'Mom can you make something for lunch tomorrow? They already have someone bringing chicken salad sandwiches!-lol"
Ashley put that, because the last wake I made 5 loaves of chicken salad sandwiches!!!
So here it is already about 6 pm. I had been to the doctor that afternoon and had an injection in my wrist, that has been killin' me. So I ran to town, less than 20 miles away, and picked up things for a pasta salad. That's the only thing I could think of to make, that made a lot and was quick. Also, because my hubby had a follow up with the cardiologist this morning, I couldn't cook this morning. I also had some fresh garden tomatoes and cucumbers.
This morning my daughter picked up my salad, on her way to their church, to pick up all the other dishes that the members prepared. She had to load all 4 kids, drive 25 miles to the church, then back another 15 miles or so to the wake to deliver the food.
So on the way back from the cardiologist we had to pass the place where the funeral home was. My husband asked if I wanted to go by. I said No, but he said Ashley should be getting there and we could help her bring the food in or stay with the kids.
When we got there it wasn't very many people so we were able to park right by Ashley's van. Mason was in the van with the other kids and Ashley was in the kitchen. There were two little boys 8 to 10 years old standing at the open end of the van. They were real polite and I guessed they were there to help bring the food in. I looked inside and told them it seems that they had unloaded it all and then I thanked them.
We went ahead inside to the kitchen. We had to pass through the lobby, where a few people were sitting. When we got to the kitchen, Ashley was standing there, with Brittany and my niece. My niece had called me last night, for a recipe and we had spoken about this, so she wanted to bring food too. Anyway, while we were talking, the other young wheelchair/special needs girl came into the room.
Brittany, whom I had just met, started introducing us to her siblings. She had a sister that was also married but I forgot her name already.Then she introduced the young lady in the wheelchair as Marcy,when I had a chill come over me. I then asked Marcy's last name. Everyone I am sure was looking at my face, when they stated her last name, and I asked if they had ever lived in my town.
I realized that I had this 21 year old young lady, on my bus, when she was very young. I knew the family had another, younger special needs child. She has so many health issues, that she couldn't go to school. This is the one that died in her sleep, the 18 year old.
I was so happy to see the family, I had trouble keeping the waterworks at bay. When I had told the older married girls who I was and that Marcy rode my bus, they said when I came in I looked familiar, but they couldn't place who I was. They went and got their mom and dad to come see us.
I remembered years ago, the mom had these 4 girls and was trying to go to college for nursing. The dad is disabled (don't know his situation) so he would keep Kassie, while the other 3 were at school.
The mother told me she is a nurse now. Brittany later told me her mom and Dad divorced. When I asked who had Marcy,she said her Dad has Marcy.
It is a sad situation, but I had to share in my joy at seeing them all again. I told them we had our Avery and Ashley explained her disabilities.
When Ashley asked me to help, I had no idea who it was and seemed like a bad time, as I had just got home from the doctor and hubby had to go this morning. But Ashley & family just dropped off something to me and when she turned to go, I stopped her. I just had to give her a big hug and thank her for asking 'Mom can you' one more time. I was helping 'anybody',as I didn't know until we stopped by, who the 'anybody' was. Doesn't God put us where we need to be. I am so thankful to meet these people again and so sorry for the pain of their loss.
Well, I hope I haven't made anyone sad, but I had to relate how life always seems to bring us full circle, when we sometimes aren't expecting it. Also, I believe Kassie will be fully able bodied when God calls us all home. Your fellow Cutie-Toogie

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Comments (21)

by jrob Moderator 09 Jun 2017

Thanks for heeding the call and for passing this along. You need to submit it to Guideposts.

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by toogie 10 Jun 2017

Jrob I wouldn't know how!- lol

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by kustomkuddle 09 Jun 2017

I just finished reading your story again - I've read it a couple times today. Each time, I am in awe of the wonderful plan our creator has and the people that he puts in our lives; The blessings that come at just the right time from the least expected place; and the comfort he provides when in need. Thank you again for sharing this story. You have been a blessing not only to the family that you touched but to also to those of us who have shared in your story. Thank you Toogie for helping me slow down for awhile and not only count my blessings but also to ask God to use me to help others.

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by AllRaggedy 10 Jun 2017

What a beautiful and touching story. You are a very kind, generous and talented lady. Toogie you have earned your "angel wings" many times over!

by toogie 10 Jun 2017

Actually, my daughter did so much more than I did, but that wasn't the reason I made the post.
I didn't feel very good and sure didn't feel very good about myself, when my first thought was not to contribute this time. I think now, they would not have missed the little I did if I had listen to my 'excuses' and not done anything, but I would have missed out on such a blessing as reconnecting with this family. God can use us, if we 'slow down' enough to 'hear' His call to work and try not to excuse ourselves. I am as guilty as anyone.

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by rachap 09 Jun 2017

A very touching story. I can tell you from experience that when our son passed away how very, very much it meant to us when old friends who we never expected to attend came to the visitation and funeral service. I am sure this family felt the same way . Blessings.

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by toogie 09 Jun 2017

It means so much to the family, to know their family member that passed away, was so loved and cared about. I know for our grand daughter's service, the church was full. She wasn't very old and most had never seen her, but they came for the family. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. Peace be with you-Toogie

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by kathymourie 09 Jun 2017

Thank you for posting this Toogie. I am crying my eyes out but I think I needed it. It is a small world and God puts us in the right place to help others. Thank for all you do to help people and sharing the stories with
us. God bless you and your family.
Kathy
xoxo

1 comment

by toogie 09 Jun 2017

I wanted you to share in my joy, not make you cry Kathy. I have peace about this young girl, as I know her pain is no more.--I think, if I was so happy to re-unite with people I thought I would never see again, how happy will I be, when I really re-unite with loved ones gone on? So much to look forward to! So dry your eyes, my friend, and be ready! Love-Toogie

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by mops Moderator 09 Jun 2017

Thanks for posting this Toogie. It was an answer of sorts to something I have been thinking about for the last few weeks.

1 comment

by toogie 09 Jun 2017

We never know how our lives may intertwine with others, but if anything here helped you at all, I am glad I made this post. Hope it all works out for you-Toogie

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by lbrow 09 Jun 2017

Thank you for posting this Toogie, I never cease to be amazed at how God uses others to meet our needs and bless us. You were blessed as well as the family you were helping, it gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. Oh what an awesome God we have! / Lillian

1 comment

by toogie 09 Jun 2017

Amen Lillian!
I have to repeat, I was so happy to see the family again and I believe they were glad to see me, as well.

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by sewtired 09 Jun 2017

I'm so busy right now, and don't really have time to browse on the Internet, and yet, I was drawn to read you story. Bless you for the kind things you do for others and thank you for sharing this heart warming (though also sad) story. It was worth the time.

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by toogie 09 Jun 2017

I'm glad you took the time too. Sometimes we are lead to things not knowing why. Maybe it is just a word someone needs to hear, or encouragement that all is not lost or will be better in time. Whatever the reason, we need to respond and serve when called. May God bless you-Toogie

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by twee 08 Jun 2017

Thanks for sharing such a tender story. Nothing is by chance. What a blessing for you and their family. You and one of HIS angels. HIS hands.

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by toogie 09 Jun 2017

What can I say but, 'Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.'

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by pennifold 08 Jun 2017

Wow Toogie, your post did bring tears to my eyes. How marvellous are God's works? I know you and your whole family are Angels and thankyou for all that you have done during your life for the special needs children. I believe we are put into people's lives for a reason and I'm so glad that you got to be there to see this family again. God certainly works miracles today. The fact that you dropped everything to help another in need speaks volumes!!!! Love Chris

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by toogie 09 Jun 2017

Chris you are an encourager! (Is that a word?)-lol-Yes, He is still in the Miracle business! Proves it over and over, just in my life.

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by kustomkuddle 08 Jun 2017

Isn't God amazing?. How wonderful that he provides opportunities like this in our lives. It is so easy to say I'm tired or I don't have enough time. But because you followed God's nudging, not only was the family blessed but you as well. Awesome. DebB

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by toogie 09 Jun 2017

I sure was!!!

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by gerryvb 08 Jun 2017

it's always great to help people the way you can. Thank you for sharing.

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by toogie 09 Jun 2017

I just had to share, am so happy!!

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by pacmp 08 Jun 2017

Toogie- I know if you are able to help this family, in any way, it would be welcome and appreciated. To me it does always seem when we are helping to serve others, we always seem to be blessed far more than what it seems we have given in service. The Lord just continues to bring blessings to those trying to follow the promptings of the spirit. We often never even know, just how much of an impact that our giving service to those in need and what that service has meant to them. Just yesterday in an online web page for our area, when I tried to encourage people to find a way to help others in the community, several people were quickly posting "why should we help our neighbors to take care of their own responsibilities?" and to me it just is so sad how few people are willing to do things for others, if it is not obvious to them why it really would help them too, never mind service given with no thought of reward or benefit to the person helping. Thank you for giving genuine service to those who were and have suffered in many ways across the years. Their family sounds like it has a strength that though they have suffered, that there are people who are touched and uplifted to see the family stay positive and keep striving to do all they are able, so in ways those blessing them with acts of service or charity they always come away feeling as though they have been blessed to have even spent time with the family. Yes life has many of those full circle moments you were describing, Thanks again for sharing yesterdays events and how Ashley had met Brittany in December. Pam

2 comments

by gerryvb edited 08 Jun 2017

thank you for trying to encourage people to help others.

by toogie 09 Jun 2017

Even though it was a sad time for the family, they really showed how glad they were to see me again, meet my husband and daughter, and also expressed appreciation for Ashley organizing the food for the wake. I thought the initial text Ashley sent me was a text her church sent. It was actually the text she sent out, to get people to prepare and donate food for the wake.

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by haleymax 08 Jun 2017

Thank you for sharing.

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by toogie 08 Jun 2017

I am so happy, I just had to. I am now trying to find out if they had funds for burial. Maybe we can help lighten their load, a little.....

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by airyfairy 08 Jun 2017

What an amazing thing to happen. A beautiful story.

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by toogie 08 Jun 2017

Sarah, I just keep thinking about this family. It just breaks my heart to know how they have struggled all the years. When they moved away, I didn't know whatever happened to them. I'm so glad everything happened the way it did. When God calls us to do His work, we can, even if it just to fix food. I have already admitted in my mind I tried to convince myself I can't fix anything, because of my wrist and the time. It was late to start anything and then we had an early appointment the next day. I'm so glad I answered the call, because look what was in store for me too!
I am so glad I have a Chistian daughter too, to do His work.

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by jenne 08 Jun 2017

May God bless you toogie, we are to be God witness. I can't think of a better way than this.

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by toogie 08 Jun 2017

When my husband found out Ashley was going to pick up food in one town, drive to another,first loading Avery, then Nora and Gus in car seats, he asked why does she have to do it?
I think that's a lot of people's way out. Let someone else do it, I've got all these kids, it's too late at night to start, etc. Ashley knew the need and met it. I'm so glad she did and got me involved too.
We may be a little reluctant at first, but look what happened to poor old Jonah!- lol

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by cooperal 07 Jun 2017

What a precious testimony of God's leading you to His special place that day. You are "an angel unawares". Love, Avis

2 comments

by toogie edited 07 Jun 2017

I feel I was blest to reunite with this family again, in their time of grief. Never would I have known, had I not made that salad and my husband not insisted we stop.

by cooperal 08 Jun 2017

In the words of a song we sing: "What an awesome God we serve". Love and prayers, Avis

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by gerryb 07 Jun 2017

Thank you for sharing! God is so good and know exactly what is needed and when! You're a good one, Toogie!!

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by toogie 07 Jun 2017

Not really. I have to admit I wasn't feeling up to making anything so late,as I knew I wouldn't have time this morning, before dr appointment. It would have been so easy to just use that as an excuse, but I'm so glad I didn't. I would have missed out on my blessing!

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by graceandham 07 Jun 2017

Awesome plan for that family for that sad day.

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by toogie 07 Jun 2017

Sometimes I am still 'awed' by God making plans in little old me's life!

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by Sewmum1 07 Jun 2017

Thank you for sharing this. Sometimes we just don't know God's plan for us. Sounds like you were right where you were needed even if you didn't realise it at the time. Prayers and hugs to the family on the loss of their daughter.

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by toogie 07 Jun 2017

Talk about His plans! Let me tell you how Ashley met Brittany. That is a testimony in itself.
Right before Christmas, Ashley was on her way to church with the kids. It was Mason and Avery's Christmas program and it was pouring down rain, when they came upon an accident. It looked like, because of the rain, the driver had lost control and went off the road. No one was stopping, so Ashley stopped. She said she called 911 and cars kept passing by. She said she rolled up her pants legs and waded across the ditch in the pouring down rain. She opened the car door and that's when she first met Brittany.
The rest is history, as they say. Brittany became a member of Ashley's church, so God still is putting us where we need to be to work for Him.
Isn't just the everyday little things, so amazingly planned.

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by gramsbear 07 Jun 2017

Toogie, I had goose bumps while reading your post, I am Thankful for you letting God work through you to help others, and find out they were not strangers... Hugs & Blessings to you, Judy...