I had just finished with my last patient before the lunch hour.  I grabbed a quick snack and drink of water.   As I set up for my next patient, I prayed, as I usually did. 

instruments in their right places?  check…

vitamin E ointment for their lips?  check…

I was set to go.

The vitamin E ointment was key….I had a practice since hygiene school of offering vitamin E ointment on the corners of their mouth while having their teeth cleaned.  Most always accepted.

As I walked my next patient back to the treatment area, I introduced myself.  He was quiet and reserved.  I was good at making conversation with people that did not want to be at the dental office.

 I set him in the chair, I leaned him back just slightly to say my hello’s and review Health History.  I saw a sober look in his countenance.  I knew that there were troubled waters in his soul.

I don’t know when, and I don’t know how, but through the course of our one small hour together he began to tell me about his wife.

She was beautiful.  She was his soul-mate.  They did everything together.  She understood him.  He loved her more than life.  

and then he told me that very, very recently……she had died.

My heart sank.  I glanced at his health history for birthdate, knowing that he was no older than me.

32.

widower at 32.  Lost.  broken.  wounded.  shattered…..beyond sad…..no words to express…….

Could I identify?

no.

I didn’t even know what to say.  But like so many others, he opened up to me, and probably later, wondered why he had.

I said all that I knew to, ” I am so sorry.”

I excused myself to go get the Doctor for the exam.  I had a few brief minutes, so I looked up 2 scriptures for him that I hoped would be of some comfort.

I wrote them on a piece of paper, and at the same time, scrawled his name in the back of my journal, of which I kept a prayer list.

The Doctor came and did his exam.  Afterward, I handed him the note with the scriptures and said, “I wrote these down for you.  I want you to know that I will be praying for you.  I am so sorry for your loss.  I pray that God will bring you comfort and peace.”

We looked at eachother.  Our eyes exchanged a knowing glance as I approached the receptionist’s desk.

That was the last time I saw him.

4 years later…..

Medford Fire Department

Sean’s first month as a Fire Fighter with Medford Fire……

The girls and I scurried around the kitchen making bbq pork ribs, home made bread sticks, salad, and homemade blackberry cobbler.

The table was set….we had met Sean’s new Captain, and hose-man.

We had a very nice dinner exchanging cordial conversation.

My girls were so on that night, as little as they were…trying to impress.

They cleared the table, did the dishes, made coffee, and served the dessert.

Meanwhile, Sean, Captain John and I were at the table talking.

I listened closely as Captain John told me about his son-in-law that had lost his wife 4 years prior.

As he was telling this story, I had to stop him and ask him the name of his son-in-law.

It was the same man I had met 4 years prior.

He went on to tell me that he had just remarried, and that they were witness to God’s healing power in His life…that He did find love again, and that he was doing very well.

my heart sighed a deep breath as I was reminded that not only does God hear our prayers, but in this case, He allowed me see the outcome.

I feel so full.  and so blessed. 

The last two days have been an incredible blessing.  I am reminded of the scripture that it is more blessed to give than receive. 

Fundraiser Saturday and Sunday

The guys arrived early in the morning to set up the shade cover, tables, t-shirts, banners and memorial poster.  The BEAUTIFUL signs were  donated (one was a banner), the other was a huge picture board of Johnny and Gale with their families.  It sat in our house for a day or so prior to the fundraiser.   I just would spill over with tears and a deep ache when I looked at their beautiful faces and  adorable families.  Yet this helped us press on.  and not just for today…..but for the long haul.

My girls and I loaded the ice chests with water and sodas, brought down some pizzas for lunch and began meeting and greeting the community with smiles and tears…..

At Medford Fire, we say “we are family”.

I hope that this is not just something we say, but show.  I was so blessed to see that it wasn’t ‘just the wives’, or ‘just the guys’ that showed up. 

There were husbands and wives.  Kids…lots of them!  Babies….it was beautiful.  It gave me strength in my bones.  My faith was incredibly affirmed in this ‘fire family’, and community as a whole.

Several times during the day when another couple would come to help, they would say to me, “you’ve been here all day, do you need to go and do something?”  I so appreciated the gesture, but I could not leave.  I wanted to be there with my family, and my community.  To see the faces of the people, smile, laugh, cry, reminensce, tell us how they “knew these two,” or “i’m a volunteer firefighter”, or “I want to be a fire fighter, or “I am a retired fire fighter”, or “I have a son, nephew, brother, sister, on the east coast, LA, Arizona that is a firefighter”….or “I lost my mom this year,” or “My son died in a tragic accident 3 years ago.”  Many had a story to tell.  It was people connecting in the midst of losses of all sorts, with no real understanding of why.

  I believe it was healing for many.

The gentleman that made the sign came by several times to make sure that ‘his’ part was well done and sufficient.  The man whose property the accident site was at, stopped by to make sure that we were all well.  We were able to thank him for all of his support through this trial.  The president of the event association at the park drove by so many times to making sure we were all ok…..or if we needed anything.  He made sure we had a great spot, and even made a few announcements over the air….

And then there was YOU all,  my friends, that were praying without ceasing, and adding comments to lift up!….THANK YOU!  It edified and strengthened all of us.  You are precious.  and YOU are part of this community. 

I guess  I was reminded that we are all people with a story of our own,  just trying to figure out this thing called life….searching for love, acceptance and belonging……I call this family,  community,  and it is so beautiful.

All in all, from the people we met yesterday and today, everyone had a story to tell.  It was people connecting in the midst of loss of all kinds.  It was people lending a hand, a prayer, a smile or a hug.  Whatever it was they had to give.  and It was ALL healing.

THANK YOU for being a part of this.

love

Storie

A very short 6 weeks ago we lost two of our brothers in an off duty accident.  My heart quickly steps into the shoes of their 2 beautiful  brides and thier daughters…..I have not been able to get them out of my heart…

nor should I.

I think of all of the things….

the sound of Sean’s truck when he comes home from work after his fire shift.  Our beagles run and sit on the back of the couch when they hear it.  My girls come running, “daddy’s home!”

I can’t imagine not hearing the rumble of his big 78 FORD pick up.  Or seeing it come to and fro.

Me breaking things….Him fixing them.

Him holding me…anytime

Raising teen daughters…need I say more?  They need their daddy.

Seeing him in his turnouts working a fire…

Holding his baby girls on his lap.

the way he teases…all of us.

weddings, births, deaths…it’s all meant ot be shared with eachother, not alone.

Yesterday I had one of our fallen brother’s wife and daughters over for a swim and lemonade…hang out time.    I have to tell you, it wasn’t easy.  I held it in best I could.  At one point I told her that if I could have traded places with her, I would.  I really meant it.  I wanted to take all of the hurt away.  Her girls are a spitting image of daddy…  His wedding ring hung around her neck like a pillar of rememberence.  She spoke of having to have his name removed from all mail…..because of ID theft.   I just could not imagine……I would want my husband’s name to remain with me on mail, or anything for as long as possible.  Everything was ripped from her hands in a few brief moments…… WHY?????????????????? I have cried to my God.  WHY???

She came over in his truck.  While I was with the girls, that truck was parked out in front of my husband’s shop.  He broke down privately knowing that the last time that truck had been in our driveway was when he had come over to pour cement for Sean’s shop.   Serving, helping, laughing, being the biggest goof ever.  I know if it were me, it would have felt really good to drive his truck.  I would want to surround myself with everything that was his.

We are running a fundraiser tomorrow for our fallen brothers.  The proceeds go into a fund for their daughter’s college funds.  Please pray that God’s will be done.  That He would raise up in the hearts of our community to join us to rally

around these 2 families.  

I am asking that if you visit my site tonight or tomorrow, that you add a comment of pray or well wish for my dear friends Marie, Melissa and their beautiful daughters…..I am going to forward this on to them.

JOHNNY and GALE….YOU ARE MISSED..No one can fill your shoes.

We will take care of your families…don’t you worry.

love

Storie