The Best Laid Plans

(This story is long.. I am writing it down maybe more for me then anything... it has played through my head a million times since it happened, and I am just blown away by how powerfully it has impacted us... so thank you for indulging me!)

 

Last Thursday was a busy day for me... I had lots of errands to run and hubby had been gone all week and I thought he was coming home that night.  I had wanted to get the house all cleaned and finish up all my chores that I had not completed throughout the week.  

I had lots of plans, and not much time to do them in!

I needed to stop by and mail the business section of the Star Tribune to sweet Migdalia, one of the neatest ladies I have ever met!  She and I and a bunch of other wonderful bloggers were just in an article the ST ran.  (Migdalia lives in New York though, so didnt have access to a physical copy.)

I was chatting with Lee, that runs our little post office, and my neighbor Lindsey walked in.  We chatted for a second and then I apologized, but I had to run.  Busy day!  

Walking out I glanced to a white car in the parking lot that was running and had people in it, then turned my head to the left.  What I saw made my heart stop.

There, lying on the ground, was an elderly woman.  It appeared she had fallen.  I ran over to her and reached for her arm and was going to try to help her up when I saw blood everywhere.  She had fallen and hit her nose (we later learned it was broken) and was bleeding from a gash on top of her nose as well as from within.

(I also learned later that she was on medication that thins your blood, so this contributed to the 'gush')

She was so calm... just saying over and over, "I'm fine...really, I am fine."  

I, however, was not.  The other car in the tiny parking lot started to back out and I shot the passengers a frantic look.  

They kept driving.

I turned and banged on the window and tried to get my neighbors attention... luckily she saw me and rushed to the womans aid as well.

I knew that we needed to get her out of the bitter cold and get her head back.  Lindsey mentioned that we might need to call an ambulance.  

I picked her up and helped her to her car as quickly as could when Lindsey appeared with a first aid kit and was able to get some proper bandages on the wounds.

After Shirley (the elderly womans name) was reclined in her car and the blood stopped for a bit we could see how bad it was.  Her nose was completely pushed to the right and her lips were black and blue and swollen, and she was missing some teeth.  

Shirley lives with her disabled husband in our small town.  Lindsey and Lee and I stood in the cold and tried to figure out how we were going to get her to the hospital 25 minutes away.

Finally, it was decided that (the most wonderful neighbor and kindest person in the world) Lindsey would drive her and I would follow.  That way if Lindsey needed to go inside with Shirley I could watch her four kids. (I had my three kiddos in my car and she had her four in hers!)

We got Shirley to the hospital where the nurses met us outside with a wheelchair and helped get her inside.  When we went to leave they were a little perplexed, "Dont you want to stay with her?  This is your mother right? Or grandma?"

Lindsey and I just looked at each other... "No, no... we just found her outside our post office.  We were just worried about her."

They seemed a bit surprised but rushed to get Shirley inside and taken care of.

The next day Lindsey called and let me know she had been in contact with Shirley.  Yes, her nose was broken.  She had lost some teeth but was going to get into her dentist that day to get them repaired.  She was unable to eat due to the pain, but was hoping to get a shake that afternoon.  

The kids and I had talked a lot about what happened.  When they saw Shirley and the blood and the blood all over me, they had been understandably shaken and confused.  Why was she alone mom?  Why was she bleeding?  Will they take care of her at the hospital?  

They were very concerned!  

We all agreed that we were going to adopt Shirley and her husband Don, and do everything we could to make their lives a little easier.

We made lasagna and cupcakes and brought them over to Shirleys house.

The moment she had opened that door I started getting all teary and reached over and just hugged her.  This sweet woman, who less then 24 hours ago had been a complete stranger, had captured my heart.

When Colton (seriously the bravest kid ever) saw Shirley, he was visibly shaken.  She has two huge black and blue eyes and a swollen mouth and her nose was quite swollen and bandaged. In spite of her physical state, she was hopeful and gracious... sure she would be making a full recovery very soon!  

We gave her the food and told her we would like to stop back and check up on her if it was ok.  She smiled and said, "That would be the most wonderful gift ever."

I agree... but I think we are blessed ones!

I tell you, I was so touched by Shirley.  She was brave and kind.  

I was also just blown away by my neighbor!  Lindsey dropped everything she was doing to just reach out and help a total stranger.  She was considerate and caring and patient and loving with Shirley.  Such an inspiration!

Shirley and Don are definitely enduring a difficult trial with this whole experience... and right before the Holidays.  I cant even imagine the toll it has taken on them already.  Prayers that she heals so quickly please! 

I am just so grateful for how God revealed Himself through this experience.

He put everyone in place that needed to be there that day to help her.  

He also really put it on my heart that I need to give back more and get out of this selfish routine I am in.  

And that if I wanted to teach my kids compassion and care that they needed to see it in me.  They needed to see mommy making unselfish choices and reaching out to people in need.  

Sadly, I'm not sure they had seen that before.

I think we are going to be getting to know a lot more about Shirley in the near future.  

I just know she is a  blessing from God!  

If you dont mind just offering up a prayer for her that she may heal quickly and be able to help with her disabled husband, that would so be appreciated!

 

Comments

[Renee]

Poor Shirley, that must have hurt! I'm glad you were there for her (with the help of your neighbor) and got her the help she needed. How awesome of you! I'm glad you all found each other. Heartwarming.

[Courtney]

What a strong woman and such an ordeal! So glad you were there for her.
Very touching story, thanks for sharing :)

[Ruth]

What a sweet story! I am so thankful you and your neighbor were there. What a blessing you both were. It's sad that the other car just drove away.

On another note I completely agree with you. EVERYONE needs to step out of selfish land and see the needs of the people around them. This includes me and my little one-world family.

Ever heard the song "My Own Little World" by Matthew West? If you haven't you should look it up on youtube. It totally reminds me of your story and this song has been on my heart and mind so much lately. I've been asking myself how can I make a difference. Check it out.

And if I don't "hear" from you before then, HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

[Londa]

Oh, what a story! Amazing how God uses ordinary, willing people to serve and love! Thank you for your amazing example of love, care and generosity to Shirley and her husband! You are a shining light for Christ!

[Meghan]

Have you read "The Seventeen Second Miracle" by Jason Wright? I just finished it (literally 30 minutes ago) and it has inspired me to do more good deeds for people. Your story reminded me of it. You should read it. Everyone should read it. :)

[Rachel]

You have no idea how appropriate your post title is. Because you were right smack dab in the midst of HIS best laid plans! :)

So thankful that you were there. Can you imagine? If no one had come to her aid? Thankful that God was able to use you to bless and comfort her.

Praying for her speedy recovery!

[kelli]

What a dear sweet lady that God has put in your life, and what a blessing you and Lindsay have been to her as well! It was good of you to be willing and able to stop and help Shirley. And you are right...that is the way we set an example for our children. You done good! ;) Sometimes people are brought into our lives under the most unusual of circumstances, but they end up being the most special of blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Gianna]

Way to go, Amanda! I am so proud of you! First of all, that was not that long and secondly, you totally spoke to my heart.
God wants to use me, but I need to open my eyes! I love you for reminding me about that. And I can TOTALLY see you hugging her and crying! I love your heart!

[Seraphim]

Think you forgot the bit where what you did was amazingly thoughtful and lovely as well. Seriously, always inspired by you and your kindness. I will be saying a prayer for a speedy recovery as well x

[Bree]

prayers sent, I am grateful that Shirley has you to look after her.

[olivia]

aawwwww! i can just picture her little swollen and bruised face. poor shirley! i'm sure she is SO thankful to God for what you ladies did for her. so glad you shared what happened.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your growing little family!

[Amy Kalscheur]

What a moving post Amanda! I'm looking forward to hearing more about your family's adoption of Shirley & Don.
God's people are GOOD indeed!
Lifting Shirley & Don up in prayer.

Blessings dear sister-in-Christ...

[Angien24]

I'm so glad God put you and your friend where you needed to be that day to help Shirley! What a blessing for all of you. I will keep them in my prayers!

[Judith Norman]

Awesome story! And an excellent lesson for your children. I'm sure other people saw Shirley fall and chose not to become involved. Everyone (including us blog readers) is blessed by this story. Thanks for sharing.

[tammy]

That is an amazing story of courage and generosity. It doesnt surprise me in the least that Lindsay was right there to help. Both of you have such BIG hearts and I am sure the Lord is very proud of your actions.

[Meera]

What a great story. Thank you for sharing.

[Janet]

Amanda, your story brought to mind something that happened to my grandfather just a couple of months ago. He is 89 yrs old and fell at Walmart...got a huge gash on his forehead (hit it on a bench) and knocked several teeth out. Fortunately, my uncle was also in the store and eventually was located as the paramedics helped my grandfather. Long story short, it turns out that two children were watching the drama, and their mother told them instead of staring, they should pray for him. So, before they had him in the ambulance, my grandfather had sweet little prayers heading upward on his behalf. I know this because they turned out to be my cousin's children, & they didn't even know who they were praying for. I was so proud of my cousin, and her kids. I'm so glad there are people like you out there to help when someone is in need. It's a real testimony to your character, and your children will remember this. Blessings to you.

[Michelle]

My heart melts at how kind you and your neighbor are. I can only imagine how thankful Shirly must be. My prayers are with her and you! God Bless you, dear one.

[Alexia]

That is so sad! I can't believe a car-full of people completely ignored her! But what a great way to teach your kids about compassion. She and her husband will be added to my prayer list!

[carma]

I missed this post and now I have tears in my eyes after reading it. You and your neighbor are good people!! Glad Shirley is OK.

[Lindsay]

Oh my goodness - this story is just so awesome - and, as a mommy of three myself, I agree - what an awesome way to show them how to care for others! What a great example you and your neighbor set for them. Prayers are going out for Shirley tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving.

[Sally]

What a great story, Amanda! -- and a good reminder to ME to give back, and to reach out to others in need!

[Cindy Howe]

Wow, such a great story. I've actually been thinking about this lately too, that I don't do nearly as much as I could. I'm not being the example to my children that I should be. Thanks for being a resource for God to work through. :}

[ClassiclyAmber]

This brought tears to my eyes for several reasons...

1. It makes me think about my own aging grandmothers and how I would SO hope that if they were out 'n about and took a fall, that there would be good people like you and Lindsey that would step in and help.

2. Something similar happened with us back in the summer...we were driving through a more rough part of Charlotte, when I noticed an older woman with a cart crossing the road. She was trying to hurry and nearly tripped and fell down over a pothole cover on the road. Tore me up! We pulled over and jumped out to help her...and ended up driving her and her groceries all the way back to her apartment. She lives alone and her grown children all live out of state. I have prayed for and wondered about her ever since then. Such a sweet lady!

3. The people that you saw in the car. THAT is so typical of the selfish, uncaring attitudes of people today. It seems rare that you meet someone with a good heart anymore. It breaks my heart - and makes me wish that the children today had better examples to look up to...but...

4. ...What you and your friend did was the RIGHT thing to do and I just have to praise you both for helping Shirley out! You are right in that allowing our kids to be a part in helping people and for them to SEE us as parents helping other people - - it really changes who they are for the BETTER! It helps them take a step back and put themselves in other people's shoes. It helps break the cycle of selfish people raising selfish kids who grow up to be the next generation of selfish adults.

I am so, so encouraged by your story and am glad that you took the time to share it here! Bless you, girlie!! =-D

[Amanda]

Thanks for the sweet comments on my blog. I had to tell you -- I love this story. I hope Shirley is doing better.

I think everyone has or could use a Shirley in their lives.

[Deepika]

Hi Amanda. I've been a lurker on your iambaker blog for quite some time now.
I'm so glad I clicked on the Shirley link and got a chance to read the whole story. On reading it, I couldn't hold back anymore and I had to introduce myself to such a nice, kind and caring person.
There's no doubt that you are an ammmmmazing baker, but you are an ammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmazing person as well. I'm proud to be your fan :)

[lindsey]

i just came from pioneer womans blog, to your cooking blog, to this.
and i must say... YOU ARE AN AMAZING woman. to not only stop and help this woman, take her to the hospital, and make sure she was okay- but to BRING HER FOOD AND CHECK ON HER. you are such an inspiration. thank you. what an example you are to all of us.

[Jaclynn]

I now love you. Will you be one of my BFF's? This is exactly what I would do. I would gab the ergo, throw Leeland in it and get to work. Good for you for accumulating some good karma points.

Cheers

[Jaclynn]

have you kept up on the adoption? Have you seen her more?