Blessings in the Waiting

 

“Hello – your daughter Marie was in a car accident.”

A phone call that began a journey of panic, fear, hope, waiting and blessings – yes, blessings.

As we continue to wait, and wait, for surgeries to be complete, test results to come back, medical teams to meet with us, updates from nurses, setbacks, accomplishments, and more setbacks, I notice the numerous blessings that are pouring in.


Each member of our family reached out to their network of friends and extended family; the blessings began and haven’t stopped.

Friends in my church – brothers & sisters in Christ – immediately began praying and continue to do so.  Close friends – both through church and in other areas of my life – constantly send messages of encouragement – prayers – scriptures – words of hope – and immense love.  These blessings continue and carry me through each day, each restless night of sleep, and each minute while waiting at the hospital.

My nephew (my sister’s son) has a network of support that absolutely amazed me. He has played basketball since he was a little boy holding an immense ball running around the court.  He played all through elementary school, high school and through college – and now coaches kids himself.  Coaches and teammates poured into the hospital.  This included coaches from when he was that little boy all through those he now works with, being 27 years old.  The comradery among these men, young and old, is truly a brotherhood that reaches deep into their hearts. Their visits, their words of encouragement, their love for both my nephew and my sister are truly an immeasurable blessing.

While at the hospital, as we sit in the waiting area while many visit with my sister, we began many conversations with others whose family member is also in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit.  Sharing concerns, encouraging one another, praying with one another, brought us closer and closer together.  Soon this was another family member we were waiting to hear updates about as well.  I saw this as such a blessing that we were given the opportunity to encourage others as they too encouraged us.  Waiting didn’t seem so dragged out – and moments of laughter also happened as we got to know each other and our hearts were becoming one.  Another blessing, as we grew to love and care for others while each of us continued to wait.

While we stayed at the hospital, many times through the night, friends began bringing us food & treats to hold us over and give us a break from the hospital cafeteria.  Each time we unwrapped some delicious meal or treat, we were able to smile, and actually enjoy a moment eating together.

We continue to wait, but we also continue to be blessed – blessed by prayers, encouragement, visits, meals, love, shared hope, shared hearts.

We wait as we watch my sister continue to battle the injuries and trauma that was instilled in her body.  We wait for each and every accomplishment in her healing.  We wait to see moments we can reach out to one another - when one is feeling like they can’t hold on any longer.  We wait as someone smiles, holds us tight, and lets us know that they are there for us, telling us how much they love us.  And we watch Marie – also waiting for her own body and health to improve.  She is now in a state of waiting; waiting for the next test to give hope, waiting for the next day – another day closer to her complete healing, waiting for the perfect moment when she will open her eyes and see all who love her surrounding her bedside – waiting for her smile.

 

 

 

They who wait on the Lord

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with

wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:31

 

 

Father's Day

Father’s Day, celebrated the third Sunday in June, gives Fathers all around a day to be fussed over – taken out for dinner – given gifts – some useful – some not so useful - or just left alone in their favorite chair with their remote control!

 

My Dad is actually my step-father.  He came into my life when I was just a young girl – about 7-1/2 years old.  He won my heart while dating my Mom, by handing me a teeny puppy through a screen window of our ground-floor apartment.

 

We ended up moving from that apartment to our first house in Syosset LI – with a large backyard.  My dog Pocchi came along as well.  Many years passed, many moves as well - to another house in Levittown, then back to the city to an apartment in Rego Park Queens.  We moved once again to Astoria and I lived there until I was married in 1975.

Being part of a blended family – especially during a time when most were not sure how to exactly blend families – we had many difficult times.  But as we grew and time moved on, I realized how much I cared for my Dad, and how much he cared for me as well. 

My mom became very ill and Dad’s strong-willed Italian temperament was definitely put to the test.  His heart proved to outweigh any of the toughness I knew growing up, as he cared for my Mom for years, lovingly and completely.

Mom died 19-1/2 years ago – I sometimes can’t believe it’s been that long.  Dad lost the love of his life – and has even reflected on the many things that he “could have done better” for Mom as well as for all of us.  To me this is a true testament to the softening of his heart – being the strong Italian, disciplinarian he was.  Sorry to keep bringing up the Italian in him – but for those who are Italian – first born or generations down the line – you understand what an Italian Dad is made up of!

Dad is now 84 – will be 85 in August of this year.  His joy is seen in his eyes anytime his family is around him.  Between me, my 2 sisters, my 2 step-sisters and step brother, and a ridiculous number of grandchildren, he’s most happy when we are happy as well.  He’ll never admit it – but he waits on Father’s Day for each phone call, card, or invitation to breakfast or to dinner.  The more of us that can be together – the happier is his day.

He didn’t have an easy life – he worked hard and struggled most of the time – but did the best he could.  He is now retired, spending most of his days taking long walks each morning and afternoon, getting together with the few friends that are still living, checking out every new movie that comes out – then giving me his critique of each, playing a few card games on the internet, and watching movies at home as well. 

Spending time with him, laughing at ourselves and life, remembering the many years we’ve shared – is a blessing to me. 

I look forward to celebrating my Father – Dad – Pop to his grandchildren.  A day to show him that I do appreciate him, love him with all my heart, and look forward to many more Father’s Days with him.

 

 

 

Happy Father’s Day Dad – I love you!