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UNUSUAL GARDEN
Matt. 26: 39 KJV and He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.
The definition for garden in my cyclopedic indexes of my Bible is- a protected and cultivated place.
My garden was not exactly what most people think of when garden is mentioned. Thank God I was in the proper garden the morning I received the news. Our early Morning Prayer group met each morning in the sanctuary of our church at 6:00 AM. We spent almost the usual hour in prayer as a group, when my friend and co-prayer warrior left.
Jewel had only been gone a few minutes upon returning. “I listened to the radio and they announced there has been an explosion at the Carbide Plant. It took place around 1:00 AM. It was an extreme blow up. Nothing minor.”
Of course, my first thought was my beloved husband, Tommy. “Did they say anyone was injured?” I anxiously asked.
“I am not sure about that, but someone needs to go home with you.”
Myrna quickly volunteered, “I’ll follow her home. Let’s say a prayer right now.”
Shock was the emotion I felt most. Remembering the night before at the time of the explosion, I was awakened with a loud boom. Going around to all of the windows to look out to see if there was any reason for that noise and finding no visual evidence, I wondered if I had dreamed it. Finally, I went back to sleep.
The plant is twenty miles from us. I knew then that it had been a terrific explosion to awaken people that distance and beyond. In desperation to hear from my husband, I rushed home. Myrna was right behind me. The news was showing pictures of the damage. Inwardly, I was praying and I knew Myrna was too. We watched, waited, prayed. My nerves were beginning to be frayed when all of a sudden there was the face of Tommy on the TV. I knew then he was alive and probably OK. “Thank God. Thank God!” I told Myrna I would be all right by myself, knowing that God was with me. I promised to call her.
About two hours later I heard him drive in. Rushing out, I held him, thanking God for His protection. He looked exhausted and smelled of smoke. After he explained what all had happened, I released the bit of resentment as to why he didn’t call to let me know he was OK. He happened to be the emergency director in charge; he didn’t have time and was intensely trying to get everyone out and to safety, not knowing if another explosion might occur.
There are many components to the story, but I know best about my husband’s activity as to how it personally distressed him. He had just driven his company blazer to a certain area in order to check on the operations. The men were talking about the work when the explosion happened. It blew the wall, right beside them, completely away. In shock, all of them ran for the door, instead of leaving through the larger opening right beside them. Tommy dashed to his vehicle to investigate the happening. A huge piece of the metal had landed right in his driving seat. It was one of the miracles that happened. Had the explosion happened five minutes earlier he would not have survived.
The crew worked the rest of the night to get the fire under control. The explosion rattled every part of the plant, which had to be closed for an extended time. One man was killed, others had minor to serious injuries, some hospitalized for a short while. All of the employees were affected emotionally, in varying degrees. They called in professionals to help the people involved to cope with their trauma. For the first time since I had been married to Tommy, I saw him not being able to sleep and somewhat anxious. It was more than normal for anyone who had been through that ordeal. Some workers were relocated to a less stressful area for them.
I thank God for being in control of that nightmarish time for all- workers and families alike. I thank Him for gardens of prayer and warriors who spend much time with Him. I will forever be eternally grateful.
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