The Gift of Giving & a Ride to Remember...

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On December 11th, First Baptist Church hosted a "Winter Wonderland". Several moms in the neighborhood had sent me emails about the event, and I heard many times what a special night of fun it was going to be. With the hustle and bustle if the holidays, I felt that we were too busy to firmly commit and simply decided that we would pass on it this year.

It landed on a Thursday, and after spending a full day of doing sessions at the office, I didn't think I could muster up the energy to go. After I arrived home, I checked my email and had received ANOTHER invitation/reminder about the event.

On a whim, I yelled out to the girls, "Line up, let's go!" We scrambled around trying to find mittens that fit, and eventually just settled on grabbing a pair of my favorite snuggly socks to wear in lieu of gloves, to keep thier little hands warm as they played in the snow. The highlight of the event was that they shipped in 75,000 lbs of real snow so that the children could take turns playing in the icy powder. We left the house one hour after the event had actually started, and a part of me questioned why I was rushing to get to an event that I had not originally planned on attending, but for whatever reason...my gut told me we were "supposed" to go.

We listened to Christmas songs on the way, and the girls & I sang aloud as we headed down the beltway. It felt really good to step out to do something just for them, and I thought about how this night was going to stay with them, in the memory box of their little hearts, hope~fully for forever.

Since David was working late, and Allie was exhausted from soccer and chose to stay in, it was just the three of us. We entered the full parking lot, and amazingly found a spot right away. The girls were intrigued by the blown-up moonwalks, the sound of music, and all the children with smiling faces running around.

We went straight for the line to have our turn playing in the snow, and before long, the bell of the whistle blew and we jumped into the roped off area for our chance to throw snow-balls, climb the snow covered hay stacks, and slip and slide on the slippery wet ice. I laughed like a child, trying to keep my balance on the slick surface and received quite a few direct hits in the face from all the children targeting me.

The feeling of joy was contagious and filled my heart with wonder and cheer as I watched child after child giddy with excitement. The girls and I tagged one another back and forth, and even though I was still in my "work" clothes, I sloshed around the soggy ground falling several times allowing myself to be the covered in cold ice. I soon became the reason for many giggles from those who were watching me, and as I felt their eyes upon me, I smiled inside. I felt so "wonder-full" to be so carefree. It didn't bother me in the least to have my boots covered in mud, and my pant legs soaked from the wet ground.

After we left the snow, we treated ourselves to a cup on hot chocolate with soft marshmallows floating on top, and then headed out to get in line for a ride on fire truck. Just as we arrived in line, the man working the line said, "I'm sorry but the line is closed".

Not being one to just simply give up, I asked him if we could stick around to see if anyone left the line, allowing us to take their spot. Within a few minutes a lady with 5 kids left the line, and kindly asked me if we would like to take their place as the last family in line. I accepted her sweet invitation, thanked her, and also secretly thanked my angels.

As we stood waiting, another 2 people joined behind us to try to get a ride on the fire truck. By chance, there we stood. Shoulder by shoulder. Soul by soul. The lady was so happy to be given the last spot in line that she began to sing praises out loud. I told her what a joy it was to see her so thankful, and in such gratitude. She smiled at me with a spark in her eye, and proceeded to tell me that she "BELIEVES".

She explained to me that with her positive thoughts, and trust in God, that she is constantly guided to be just the right place at the right time. Within one minute of meeting me, she explained that she had lost her daughter at the age of 29, and the young girl with her was her grand-daughter who she cared for full time. Not only had she lost her daughter, but she had also lost a son. She went on to say, that she believed her daughter helped to secure her place in line, and that she talked to her everyday. She was so thrilled to hold that place in line because for the last 4 years, they had tried to get a spot in line to ride the fire truck, but it had never worked out and her grand-daughter always left disappointed.

I stood in complete awe that this incredibly delight~full and positive Spirit had experienced so much heartache and grief, but yet held such a positive outlook on life. I reached into my purse and pulled out my new business cards with my favorite angel on it, which simply says "Believe". I handed it to her, and she immediately leaped over to hug me. I explained to her what I do for people who have lost their loved ones, and told her that I was a medium. Her eyes weld up with tears, and she tightly squeezed my cold hands.

As she looked at the card, she began crying. Her husband of 35 years, had just suffered a stroke only a few months earlier, which has left her not only caring for her grand-daughter alone, but also for her dear husband who is in poor health. I felt like I was meeting a real-life super hero. I knew immediately that she was the reason why my guides pulled me out of the house that windy night.

I hugged her tightly, and whispered to her that I would love to connect her with her children on the other side as a special Christmas gift to her, from my heart to hers. She jumped up and down in excitement and we both began to glow thinking about the synchronicity of our chance meeting.

Before long, it was our turn to climb aboard the tall fire truck. By then, David had arrived and our family of four was escorted to one side of the truck. As we were sitting in our assigned spot, I saw some commotion down below where the line had been. I heard the man telling my new friend, Camilla that there was no room left for her beloved granddaughter. Her eyes again began to fill with tears, as she realized that this year would be the 5th year in a row to miss a chance to catch a ride.

I grabbed the hand of the man on the fire truck who was arranging the seats, and told him that she was a very special girl, and that she HAD to get on the truck. I told him the story of how she had lost her mom, and how they had come many years before, always missing the chance to ride.

He smiled at me, and then called out to the workers below. He shouted out to the girl..."Hey, you.. how would you like to have the best seat in the house?? I think I have just the special place for you!" He gently guided her to the front of the truck, and pointed her in the direction of the very front seat, where she was going to ride shotgun!!! I watched her take her spot, and almost cried knowing how much that moment meant to her. She looked like the queen bee, as everyone else was packed in the back crammed into the small riding space like a pack of sardines! There she sat, grinning from ear to ear, so proud and perfect in her little spot in front of the panel of blinking lights. :-)

It was a magical ride. My eyes were glued to her, seeing her bounce over every bump, as we made our way through Houston's dark streets. The sirens of the truck rang loud and clear, the lights flashed a bright red and white, and everyone on board felt the chilling night air blowing in their face. The children waved as we circled around a few blocks, and I took lots of pictures in hopes of capturing the essence of what that ride was truly about. It was love. It was about believing. It was about allowing the universe to guide you. All about trusting. Following your heart, even when you might rather not listen. Those moments when you are tempted to just sink into your comfy jammies, and call it a night, but instead jump out into life to see what might be waiting.

That moment of watching her and her devoted grand~mother, reminded me of the goodness that is still present in the world. The hope that is alive in people's hearts, even those hearts who have good reason to feel broken.

We were all "worked" that night. SPIRIT has a beautiful way of making magical things happen, if only we allow it.

This week, I saw my new friend again. We met at my office, and she was my last session for the day. I greeted her in the hallway, and squeezed her so tight...I really didn't ever want to let her go. We spent an amazing 90 minutes connecting with the energy of her beloved daughter, son, and a few other special souls who keep her company in the Spirit world. My heart was humbled as I witnessed the validations pour through me, helping to heal the wounds of her deep pain. She shook with joy as she listened to the messages from her daughter, and cried tears of relief knowing that she was indeed, still with her.

My heart felt full that day. I thought about the perfection of the universe and how so many things had been divinely orchestrated from a power much greater than the two of us, for our paths to meet. I gave thanks for the evidence that I am divinely supported and for my role in bringing light and love into the world.

I have been so touched by her presence and strength, that I'm wanting and wondering what more I can do to help. For many years now, we have adopted a family in need for the holidays and this year, my angels have no doubt brought the perfect recipient into my life.

I'm asking anyone who may feel guided to help my remarkable friend, to please join me in creating a Christmas for her to remember. If you would like to help to bring cheer and comfort to this special family...please contact me via email or by phone. I know sweet little Cia is hoping for a new drum set for Christmas, and any donation of food, clothes, books, or any other practical gift would be greatly appreciated. It's often the highlight of my Christmas to put on a Santa hat and deliver gifts on Christmas Eve, and I'd love to invite you along should you wish to participate!

In addition to helping this special family, Compassionate-Care Hospice is collecting gift baskets for patients under their care. For more information on making a basket for a family in Hospice, follow the link here.

I know it's getting close to Christmas and only a few days remain, but there's still plenty of time to do something good for another human being in need...

Sending you bright blessings of love, Christmas cheer, and hope that the deepest meaning of the season will be reflected in and upon you....

Be Merry and Be Bright,