Last fall I was browsing a curriculum catalog and happened upon a book that looked interesting, Homespun Gifts from the Heart, by Karen Ehman, Kelly Hovermale, and Trish Smith. Before I purchased the book I checked at our local library and low and behold there it was-for FREE! Don’t you just love when that happens? Well, I checked it out and fell in love with all 200 of its creative ideas including 250 gift tags and super easy instructions-it was a keeper! I purchased it! The book is a wealth of ideas for ways to brighten the lives of others through thoughtful, useful gifts.
At the time my aunt, Linda, was going through a very stressful time taking care of her elderly mother (my grandmother.) I was burdened to use one of these project ideas to be a blessing to her. The “When Life Gives You Lemons” basket seemed just perfect for her particular situation, as she had recently shared with me several things that had been difficult in her life that past week in particular.
I seriously doubted that I’d even find any lemon-themed items in WV in November, but it was worth a try. I immediately knew that God wanted me to complete this project as every store I entered had exactly what I needed, actually BETTER than what I expected to find. You just KNOW God is in it when THAT happens! I actually even found the perfect book at the Bible Book Store to encourage caregivers like herself. Compiling the basket was such fun for me and the kids. I couldn’t wait to give it to her!
Before I could complete the basket, my aunt became very ill as a result of a reaction to the drug, Boniva, given for osteoporosis. She developed the equivalent of 2nd degree burns over 90% of her body. She was beyond miserable! She couldn’t put clothes on and skin just peeled off of her with every shower she took. She didn’t want to see anyone because she looked so bad, so I sneeked over one afternoon and placed the basket at her front door. I had planned to call later and reveal my deed, but decided to let it be a surprise. She was very touched to find the thoughtful gift at her door. Her eyes were so swollen that it took her quite awhile to go through it all and see what she got. I knew that her mouth was too raw to eat the Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins that I made for the basket, but her dedicated caregiver, my Uncle Bill, enjoyed them immensely!
To make a very long story short, within two weeks after this my aunt had passed on. At the age of only 63, being a usually vibrant and energetic person, her death was a shock to us all. Since that day on December 1st, I’ve taken the responsibility to see to my grandmother’s care in her stead. I realize even more the stress she was under that lead to her stroke and heart attack. In her weakened condition from the illness, she could handle it no longer and her body gave up.
I thank God that he put it on my heart to do one last thing for my dear aunt. I’m so glad that I listened to Him and followed through. How many other times have I missed opportunities such as that to give the blessing to someone which may be their last. Someday maybe I’ll have more time for blogging and the hobbies I used to enjoy more frequently, as for now I don’t want to miss taking the time to be a blessing to my family and especially my grandmother whenever I can. Today she turns 89 years old! This may be that last opportunity I have to sing happy birthday to her. I’ll not miss it!
The last photo taken of my aunt in August 2006.
