This time the mums at Shaw’s Market triggered a lump in my throat but, also, a smile on my face.
One year ago today, September 17, MGH confirmed that Jud could come home.
Home for a respite before going back for the stem cell transplant.
We’d have the great gift of almost two weeks together at home sweet home.
Praise to God and PANIC collided.
I worried, “Jud’s coming home tomorrow, bringing a very compromised immune system with him.
We have less than 24 hours to sanitize this house and the car he’s going to be riding in. The nurses gave me a list of instructions. Now where did I put them?!”
“Lord, have mercy” and “Thank you, Jesus” swirled together as I squeaked out a HELP to friends and neighbors.
And you came–the NET–with mops and mums.
You washed the bedding, cleaned the car, hauled mums, pumpkins and corn stalks to decorate the deck and front porch, scrubbed the house, picked up groceries and left me with an uber clean house and a grateful heart.
So when I saw mums at the market, I saw you, your helping hands and Jud’s smiling face.
And that left me smiling and happy to haul home some mums for me and my neighbor.
There was also that lump in the throat. It came with the truth that Jud’s gone. He’s Home.
Since last September, this house and I are showing some wear and tear, but not enough to warrant a visit from the health department. At least not yet.
A year ago, Jud and I were reading from Philippians and Colossians in the Message.
Today I read again from Colossians 2,
“You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.”
Today, as I look out at the mums on the deck, I’m still smiling, remembering some beautiful fall days last September with Jud, the kindness of family, friends and strangers, and the love of one very brave man.
The words from Colossians continue to challenge me to live what I’ve been taught and to be grateful.
And so I say, “Thanks be to God and to you, dear NET.”
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