Kindred Spirits.

 

{blake learning to walk at 18 months-ish}

We exchange cautious smiles from across the room...often...sometimes offering a sweet but very short hello. But always cautious. I know I recognize her from somewhere but recognize in my heart I know her more than just from somewhere. And, I have a feeling she feels the same.

Lately it's been at Starbucks while standing in line. There are usually 5-6 people in between us. Keeping it safe so it doesn't become too awkward. But I also feel it would only be awkward for a moment. This has been going on for a few years. Before Starbucks it was at our local Mexican restaurant where she was a server. Same short sweet smiles exchanged but nothing more.

Today at Starbucks our paths cross again. I order my toffee nut laced hot chocolate {with extra whipped cream} and feel like we are kindred spirits, like we could sit and chat for hours, but really we aren't even friends. I keep trying to figure out if she was a friend of a friend. But today we are standing closer together and I sense neither of us can ignore the connection anymore. As I approach her, she approaches me. I start to say 'hello' and she responds with a hello and a question. "You have a little boy don't you?" And as the conversation begins I quickly know why my heart has always felt a pull towards her.

She recalled working at our local gym in the day care center. I would go in and work out handing over my sweet little baby boy to her. She told me how I told her everything that was wrong with his little body and how the doctors had told us that there was a chance that he would never walk. It was what came out of her mouth next that took everything in me from not bursting into a hot crying mess but also brought such peace. It was so sweet. So pure. And the connection was confirmed. She told me that while she would hold Blake in the day care, she would pray for him. Pray that he would walk one day.

She didn't know me. She didn't know my baby. But she knew the Lord. And, I was overcome with humility and unworthiness standing there in Starbucks. The lump in my throat made me think I will never be able to just smile at her again without feeling like my heart is going to explode in gratitude.

I filled her in on all the beautiful miracles we have experienced and that we have a little boy walking, jumping and running. She said, she knew, she had seen him with me and always wondered if we were the same family from the gym. It was then I tried to offer her the most heartfelt thank you I could. But I could never do it justice with words. I asked her name. Rachel. I will never forget it. She has a purity that radiates from her. She asked for Blake's name and then told me that she would continue to pray for him.

Thank you, Rachel. I had a feeling I knew you. We both know the Lord. I want you to know that I got down on my knees and said a prayer for you when I got home. A prayer that included thanksgiving.

I know that many of you offer prayers on our behalf too. You don't know us personally, but you also know the Lord. We are truly grateful.