My Life, my photography, my passions
Icicles aren’t as easy to photograph as I thought. I tried to get the glistening of the sun and the drops melting off, but just couldn’t get it right. I do like the stained glass window of the church in the background. This was taken at the Christian Church in Elmwood, Nebraska. Between Elmwood and Murdock (6 miles away) we’re a community of less than 1000 people, but we have five churches which are a crucial part of our lives.
Sometimes it’s a random act of kindness from a stranger touches you in a way that is indescribable and affirms the belief that yes, God is listening, someone cares, and here is a small message that you are being taken care of and loved. In this instance it was a simple validation ticket from a parking garage and a perceptive, compassionate gate attendant that gave this glimpse of grace.
At a little before midnight I gave the parking attendant at Hartford Hospital my ticket. He must of seen something in my face, shock, stunned incomprehension, numbness, or a vacant look because he asked what floor I had been visiting. I numbly responded “Neuro Intensive Care.”
What he did then I almost didn’t understand. He handed be back the ticket, told me to fold it up, forget about it, and be careful driving home. I looked at him and a shiver went through my body, my eyes welled up, and I said thank you. I took a deep breathe, probably the first of the evening and carefully pulled out of the garage.
Just one of the many comforts I received at my Mothers bedside was from Mary, a Hartford Hospital chaplain. After initially talking with her in the mid afternoon, she returned later with a Prayer Shawl knitted by the ladies from her church especially for patients and families at the hospital. She wrapped it around my shoulders and it’s warmth and comfort was overwhelming as we said prayers and the final service for my Mother.
“May God’s love be upon this shawl
and with you as it warms, comforts and embodies you.
Through our needlework, may it be a reminder
our prayers and thought are with you.”
The Prayer Shawl Ministry
The First Congregational Church, Canton Center, CT
