SOL #17 – 3/17/12 Giving comfort

 
On Thursdays I volunteer at our Center For Hope – a place where people can come to get financial assistance with their utility bills and rent, give them direction to get other help from churches and government agencies and to listen to their problems.   We work with them to develop a budget, to stop smoking and to listen to their concerns.

But, these clients were not the only people who had troubles and concerns this week.  The Director of the Center is dealing with her Mother in Hospice – it is an up and down battle.  Some days, they don’t think she will make it another hour and the next day she is lucid and alert.  I listened, gave her a hug and asked if she would like a prayer shawl.  Her Mother received one when she entered Hospice House and she knew the comfort it gave her Mother.  At first she said no that she would get her Mom’s when she passed.  After a few moments, she told me she really would like her own.  I had one with me that I had just finished crocheting and took it to our Pastor to be blessed and then put the shawl around her shoulders saying a little prayer that Jesus’ arms were wrapped around her.  There were some tears, but we both knew the promise of God's comfort.

Comments

  1. PettitMarch 17, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Your director is in my thoughts. What a lovely gesture, a prayer shawl. I hope she continues to find comfort during this most difficult time. I will continue to pray that her memories of her mom will sustain her during this time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. elsieMarch 17, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    How wise of you to offer her something for physical comfort. I'm sure it gave her mental comfort too. Just knowing someone cares means a lot in times like this. Bless you, Judy. You do God's work.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MichelleMarch 17, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    So glad you could be there for her when she needed it most. It's never easy, but knowing someone is there to listen, to guide, to pray with - you are so good at that!

    ReplyDelete
  4. ChrisMarch 17, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    It's so hard to know what to say to someone in pain. Your strength is crocheted into that shawl, and you knew she needed it. Such a touching story!

    ReplyDelete
  5. CarolMarch 17, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    What a special gesture. Can't even tell you how many times people's kindnesses and prayers have carried me through hard times.

    ReplyDelete
  6. LynnMarch 17, 2012 at 11:07 PM

    Judy you are such an incredible woman. You reach out to many with so much love and support. You are one special lady!

    ReplyDelete

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