I Thank God for Grandkids and Hummingbirds

“Wow! We haven’t met our out-of-pocket amount for the year. Usually, by June, we’ve surpassed that cost.” My husband stated as he looked at the insurance benefits statement that had arrived in the mail. I was glad that neither one of us had been ill or needed to visit the hospital ER. 

I smiled and spoke words that would backfire on me in a matter of days.
“That means we are healthy. We haven’t been seriously sick or in pain this year.” 

Saturday mornings are what I call “changing bed sheets morning”. I like to change the sheets early in the day. There is something fresh and renewing about clean bed linens.

On June 14th, I removed the sheets from the bed and prepared to refresh the bed with clean, crisp linens. This time, I would use the set with bright blue flowers and a white background. Beautiful.

Finding the corner area of the fitted sheet, I reached down to tuck the material under the mattress. A sharp, shooting pain like I’ve never experienced spasmed my lower left back. I’ve had many lumbar spasms over the years. This pain was worse than anything I had endured in the past. I screamed. Tears flowed. I yelled for Alan to help me.

He walked into the room and tried to begin comforting me. Alan helped me on to the bed by holding my legs in a position where I could move. This was bad, very bad. Tears continued. Prayers began. 

My thoughts began to wander as I thought of the grandkids. What would happen to all of the fun activities we had planned for them? When would I be able to play again? More tears.

A few hours passed as we waited to see if my body would calm. Pain persisted. Alan suggested a trip to the emergency room. Getting me in the car was difficult, but Alan managed. I’m thankful for the strength God gave my husband during this time.

The ER staff ordered scans and administered pain and anti-inflammatory medicine. Nothing helped. I was sent home with a referral to a neurosurgeon and a reminder to contact my pain doctor. More tears from me.

Over the past two weeks, I have visited the pain doctor, my family doctor, had two MRIs, a CT scan, and we’re still trying to figure out what to do about the pain. 

On a recent morning, I was able to sit at my desk and look outside. There, in the midst of my pain and complaining, God sent hummingbirds. God knows that hummingbirds are my favorite. This time, there were many flying wonders. Not one, not two, but many. God knew what I needed. Hummingbirds make me smile. I thank God for the hummingbirds.

Alan and I miss being with Rowan and Eden and their parents. Alan reminds me that this is temporary and we will be able to play one day soon. I love his positive outlook.

Another blessing is video chat with the grandkids. They understand that Mimi can’t play at this time. Eden has tried to send me some ice packs for my back. Rowan has tried to make me laugh. Precious children.

I will continue to rest, keep my body moving even if it’s slow moving, and I will continue to pray.

I’ll keep watching for the hummingbirds. I’ll praise God every day because I know He is with me.

How are things in your life? Any praises or prayer requests?

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

The Rock Gift

Gifts are given for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and celebrations. Some of the best presents are ones given “just because” with no special reason or occasion. Gifts may make us laugh while others may bring tears. I received a rock that touched my heart and brought happy tears.

Grandson Rowan and Granddaughter Eden enjoy making crafts. They often enter the house and say, “What are we doing today? Can we make something?” There is a cabinet in our living room which holds the craft supplies. Crayons, markers, paint, construction paper, glue sticks, popsicle sticks, play dough, wire cleaners, straws, pom poms of various sizes, googly eyes, and much more. Sometimes we follow a pattern for making a craft. Other times, we use our imaginations and create interesting projects.

A few months ago, Rowan and Eden painted rocks. We set up a workstation on a table on the back porch. Paper towels, wet wipes for cleaning hands and the occasional paint splatter that landed on the porch couch cushions, paint, rocks that had been rinsed to remove the dirt, paintbrushes, and stickers were arranged on the table. Rowan, Eden, and Mimi were ready to paint beautiful designs on rocks of different sizes.

We worked intently until giggles broke out when the paint went somewhere other than the rocks. Making sure we wore our “paint clothes” was a must during this project. We love to dip the brushes in the paint and mix the colors. Then, we rinse the brushes and watch the water swirl in the cup.

After the rocks have been painted and placed on a paper towel to dry, we clean the area and find another activity until the rocks are ready to be placed into our flower garden. When every rock is dry, we place them in selected spots. Then, we walk to the sidewalk and look back to the garden. We want to make sure everyone can see the beautiful shapes and colors as they walk by.

Recently, Rowan and Eden entered the house for a visit. Laughter filled the home while everyone talked at the same time and shared about their day. As we headed to the playroom/office to find a game or activity to play, Rowan asked for wrapping paper. Rowan is very creative and I figured he was probably going to create something with the paper.

After finding some wrapping paper, Rowan left the room. Eden and I began to play with the dolls. A few minutes passed and Rowan returned.

“Mimi, close your eyes and hold out your hands.”
“Okay, what are we doing?” I asked.

“You’ll see. Mimi, I have a surprise for you.”

I closed my eyes, held out my hands, and felt his sweet hands place something in my wrinkled hands.

“Open your eyes, Mimi. It’s for you.”

My eyes opened and I was holding a wrapped gift from Rowan. I opened the paper and there was one of the rocks. I thanked him for the beautiful rock.

Rowan wanted to give me something special and one of his favorite rocks was the gift. A precious memory flooded my thoughts. When I was a young girl about Rowan’s age, I forgot my Mama’s birthday. When I remembered, I immediately went to my room and found my favorite doll. I wrapped it in a paper towel and gave it to my Mama. She loved it.

Rowan showed love and kindness to me. I showed love and kindness to my Mama.

God gave us the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus. We are loved and cherished by God.

Do you have a special gift story? Share your story in the comments.

Blessings and love,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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