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Topic: hope (03/29/04)
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TITLE: Facing Hope By LINDA GERMAIN 04/05/04 |
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Pulling into the driveway of the cozy old Victorian home that had been so full of happiness, the car made a harsh clanking sound. It refused to start again.
" This is too much! Oh, God, where are you?" She put her head on the steering wheel and sobbed. Finally, with much effort and weariness, she made her way into the dark and lonely house.
The next morning, driven by necessity, she arrived early at the bus stop and joined a middle-aged woman who was sitting on the bench. Not in the mood to talk, Faith closed her eyes. The woman simply smiled pleasantly and left her alone.
Surprisingly, she exited from the obligatory public transportation right in front of the iron-fenced mansion. It was an easy, short walk to the hospital from there. Later, ambling back to catch her return ride, she heard a stirring in the bushes by the entrance to the intriguing property. Curious, she stopped in time to see a well-shod foot belonging to a small child and the wagging tail of a huge German Shepherd.
"Hey there, are you okay?" She spoke mostly to the bush. An angelic little face peeked out. The dog, which was the bigger of the two, stood by her, ready to react.
About that time a woman came bustling toward the noble iron hedge. As she bent down to wrap her arms around the bewildered child, Faith recognized her as the lady from the bus stop. After reassuring the little girl, she addressed Faith as if they were old friends. "She was playing with Pal and wandered a little too far."
Faith managed a wan smile. "I wanted to be sure she was okay."
The woman remembered her. "My name is Maria. I have worked here for many years."
Glancing at the captivating youngster, who was now hugging the security dog, Maria confided," Poor bambino, both of her parents are deceased and the grandmother is quite ill. We call the child Bambi."
Unwilling to connect with more misery, Faith began to walk away,"Please excuse me Maria, I am keeping you from your duties."
Obviously an astute observer, the intuitive domestic servant of this palatial home pressed on. "Do have a loved one in the hospital"?
"My husband was injured in a car accident."
Unexpectedly, she was unable to hold back the tears that were always waiting to spill.
The compassionate woman reached out to unlock the gate as she directed Faith, "Please, my dear, you are most welcome to this home. Come and have something to drink with us."
Sitting in a lovely smelling kitchen with hot coffee and delicious homemade pastries, she began to feel an empty stomach appeased and tattered emotions soothed. She poured out her frustrations and fears while Maria listened, consoled and ministered in the gentlest way.
It soon became routine for Faith to drop in for a needed dose of nourishment and comfort. She was a willing playmate for Bambi and Pal. They were a delightful distraction from her devoted but exhausting bedside vigil.
Maria had been telling "Grandmamma" about their new friend. Faith was introduced to her one day in a warm, inviting room filled with books and flowers. The elegant, yet kindly lady with startling blue eyes greeted her with genuine good manners and compassion.
"Our darling Bambi speaks of you with much affection, my dear. I am so sorry to hear about your husband. What is his name?"
Immediately at ease, Faith found herself confiding in yet another stranger. "He prefers to be called Charlie."
"Come, sit near so I can see you. My late husband's name was Charles."
After pausing briefly to rest, she continued in her no-nonsense manner, "My daughter-in-law was widowed a month before she became a mother."
And then with more bluntness, "I am praying that God will send someone to raise this child, as I will be going home soon. Tell me, do you have children?"
Faith could see where this was headed. " No, but with the situation..."
"Do you pray?" The older woman was not reticent about questioning Faith. It seemed very important to get to the point.
Grandmamma insisted that prayers were answered. "For example," she volunteered, "I have been before the Father with a most important petition. My grandchild needs a family. I believe you may be part of God's will!"
Faith gasped! The moribund elder prodded,"You do like Bambi, don't you?"
"Oh, she is precious, but..."
"Well, my dear, I ask only that you talk to our Father. Please believe that God truly does work in beautiful and surprising ways."
A few days later, having spent serious knee-time to repair her anemic relationship with the Lord, Faith felt a sure conviction. She met with the increasingly ill, grand lady of the mansion who was now confined to a huge antique bed. Warmly embracing the strong young woman, the ailing prayer warrior already knew the answer."Oh my dear, you will be blessed."
Faith held Bambi's tiny hand as they prepared to visit Charlie, who was gaining ground daily. His wheelchair had been rolled into the warm sun. Puzzled, he gazed at his treasured wife. She could almost see the fog lifting as he began to speak, "F...Fai?"
Holding back tears, she made the life-changing presentations. "Bambi, this is Charlie."
Intensely serious, the beautiful little girl ventured forward and gently touched his face. Sounding very grown-up, she informed him, " People just call me Bambi. My real name is Hope. My mommy went to heaven on New Year's day."
A Miracle. An epiphany. A commencement.
Slowly recovering, Charlie reached out to Faith...
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Stay tuned for more adventures of Faith, Hope and Charlie!