When our girls were little, and would see sadness on TV, their immediate response was to place their little hands on the screen and try to comfort the crying baby, the injured boy, or the wounded animal. I will never forget the pained look on their little faces, or the sweet words they'd use to try and bring comfort... feeling so helpless, yet wanting to make things better in the worst way.
I, too, have always felt like this. I hear of someone getting injured and I want to take them a care package. I hear of someone suffering and I want to find some way to bring them hope and comfort. I hear sirens and I immediately begin praying that the ambulance will get there soon enough and that the medics will have the skills to do whatever is necessary.
I haven't always been the best "first responder." When our girls broke a bone, it was Brett that did the immediate investigating... while I was hyperventilating. Once I knew the situation, and I knew what was required of me, I pulled myself together and did whatever was needed. I guess that's the part of me that needs to process and plan before proceeding. Interesting how we all deal with situations differently.
Speaking of situations... my heart has been touched by a situation in our neighborhood. A new family moved in and thanks to wonderful neighbors, we found out about their situation. Three weeks after the father died unexpectedly, their beautiful daughter of 12 years, Jordan, was diagnosed with cancer. A short eight months later, that beautiful young lady has now entered her final chapter in her mortal existence. My heart aches for this family.
Two weeks ago I received a call from Brook. "Mom, we made dream catchers at young women's tonight. If it's okay, I'll be home a bit late. A few of us girls want to take Jordan a dream catcher." Tears sprang to my eyes. Of course that was more than okay. I immediately thanked heaven for my girls and their friends, their willingness to serve, and their example to me.
On the front porch of Jordan's home sits a sunshine box, made by a wonderful woman in our neighborhood. Every day people put things in the box to bring Jordan and her family sunshine. When I heard of this, my heart leapt with joy. How wonderful! So many times I want to help, but don't know how and don't want to intrude. The sunshine box was a perfect solution! I've driven by the house many times to see balloons, flowers and other items placed there.
Don't we all have a sunshine box? Yes! A smile can bring sunshine, a kind word, a note, a hug, anything! It doesn't have to be big or expensive. Some of the greatest gifts put in my sunshine box are intangible. As I reflect on my life, I wonder if I have spread enough sunshine. Did I pay attention to those needing sunshine and did I provide? Have I thanked others enough for putting treasures in my sunshine box? I'm grateful for this time to reflect.
To my sweet girls, once again, "You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know dear... how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."
May sunshine and smiles greet you, Jordan, in this life and the next. Thank you for touching my life.
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