Sisters

There were a host of women at the hospital last week, all giving and loving while valley-walking with the family. From Caroline and Paige to Lucy and Diane and many, many others.

It's so precious to me that not one special act of kindness has been lost amid the pain - - they have only been magnified and made to be brilliantly obvious. This sweet family soaks up love like a heavy duty sponge, they don't miss out on goodness shown through the Body of Christ.

I am one of 7 children, so I "get" the sister/sister-in-law thing pretty well. If there was a blessing to be taken from my time in the waiting room, if God showed up in our midst - He appeared to me through these women - Lucy (sister-in-law to Sam and Don) and Diane (sister of Don).

Lucy and Diane were handmaidens for Sam, the hands and feet of Christ. They wore their hearts on the outside but still managed to hold up Samantha and Don, nevertheless. Immense pain was written all over their faces and as sister's, I related to them and how they must be feeling for their siblings in the nearby patient room.

I sat with Diane while she told me of a moment in Sam's room (through tears).
. . .Don just said the sweetest thing to Sam, he looked at her and said,

"I know how much you wanted that baby, Samantha - - we'll get you another one".

She and I shared tears and marveled at the tenderness between her brother and Sam. So sweet, so precious.

Shortly after, Diane showed me pictures of Baby Benjamin, such a handsome sugar lump. You've never seen a more perfect baby boy, round little cheeks, the sweetest button nose and a head full of strawberry blonde hair. His feet were adorably symmetrical and we both gushed at his precious little foot print. Toes to die for (they are indeed my weakness).

Lucy didn't miss an opportunity to be there for Samantha and Don - even while also having her baby, Ella to consider all the while. From going to pick up yummy meals for them to running to tell the doctor when Sam decided she wanted to stay at the hospital for one more day. Lucy was there to stand in the gap to be what they needed, organic selflessness.

I had to share the sisterly point of view, it was a kaleidoscope of beauty, awe-inspiring warmth and love.

Feeling very blessed by them,
Mary