Answered Prayers
So this is what it feels like to blog. As I write my first blog I have one regret - that I didn't pay more attention in Miss O’Hara’s freshman english class. I wouldn’t know a dangling participle from a mixed metaphor! But, if you can put up with my lapses in grammar and pay attention to the spirit of the message, we will get along fine.
This website has been published for six weeks and for some reason I now feel moved to start blogging. It could be that today is a day that has more meaning than other days. Today, February 12th, is the anniversary of my mother’s death. Twenty-two years ago, the sweetest angel on earth became the sweetest angel in heaven. This past October my father got his wish to be with his blessed Loretta, and he joined her.
It is a long story, and one that may eventually be told, but cardinals (the bird) have a very special meaning for me. The sight of one is like a visit from heaven. My prayers today were that I get that special visit from heaven, but alas, it did not seem to be.
When I was looking in “the bin under my bed that has everything special in it” I came across an envelope with my mother’s writing on it. I would like to say I remember putting it in the bin, but will forever remember taking it out of there. Upon opening the envelope, I found it to be a birthday card to me from my parents. I looked on the back for the year, but of course it was not there. After taking a photo of it and sending it to my siblings, I went on with my day.
As dusk approached I realized I had not seen my cardinal yet. Positive that God had heard my prayers, I rushed to the window, sure that the telltale red dot would somehow appear in the bare trees. Nothing in the backyard. Of course, it must be in the front yard! As I rushed to the window guess what I saw?! My neighbor, unloading what looked like bags of pellets from a trailer. So I swept my gaze back and forth and something caught my eye. A different neighbor, cooler in hand after a long day’s work, grabbing his recycling bin and going into his garage. Really!?!
But I didn’t give up! I believed God had heard my prayers and I continued searching for a cardinal. And then it happened - the song, “Be Thou My Vision” started playing. This song is a very special song. I can close my eyes and there I am at church with my father and he is singing along without the aid of a book, a big smile on his face! Yes, indeed, this is a very special song. (If you don’t know it, I suggest you check it out and hear for yourself!)
And it was then, in the playing of the song, that I realized my prayers had been answered. You see, God did answer my prayers. I had hoped to have a visit from heaven but thought it would come in the form of a bird. God did even better than that. I received a beautiful message on a card letting me know how much I was loved and signed in my mother’s handwriting, “Best of love and kisses.” I also received a memory, in the form of a video that I can replay over and over in my mind; the gift of a father, present in church and loving God.
Perfectly, and completely, answered prayers.
My parents, Bob and Loretta Latshaw, as seen on their Honeymoon in 1958. They were married for forty happy years and were blessed with four children and eight grandchildren. Their legacy continues.