Ever have a moment where you have to blink your eyes a few times while thinking: "That did not just happen."
A beautiful bird that suddenly snaps a fish out of the water, right before your eyes. A butterfly that lands right on the tip of your nose. An encounter with a deer where they are close enough to you to touch you. Just magical experiences that feel celestial.
Anyone that knows me well knows that I hate to talk on the phone. I'd rather eat chalk. Or wrestle sharks. Or do nearly anything. I'm not a phone person.
On Tuesday, I had to make a business call for one of my clients. I was transferring the account information and launching a new site. I spoke to the nicest lady. Her name was Jeannie.
Per usual etiquette, she asked how my day was going. I in turn asked how hers was. She said it was a rough day. I appreciated her honesty. I don't find that many people tell you how they REALLY are. So I went further.
"Why?"
Jeannie's mom had died on Saturday. "What are you doing at work???" was my reply. I asked what happened.
Jeannie went on to tell me about her mom.
Mom had polio as a kid and was told she would never walk again. She was stubborn and accepted their words as a challenge and walked. Without assistance. She married. She gave birth to 2 beautiful daughters and a son. These were all things that had been warned may not be a part of her future.
Jeannie's dad died in his 50's and she lost a brother to cancer.
She grew older and Jeannie took her in. She built an addition for her mom, and also took in her sister's family. They all lived within a half mile of each other anyway. They were always close and they liked it that way.
Jeannie told the story of when her mom was in her 80's, she decided to go tubing with the grandkids in the river. And she had a blast. The grandkids adored her and she loved them very much.
Jeanie knew that she was her mother's favorite.
Jeannie's mom's age got the best of her and she declined. But not without a fight. Hospice said on 2 other occasions that "the end was near" and she pulled through- giving her more time.
This final round, everyone took turns to be by her side. Her grandson wouldn't leave her room. Exhausted and very sleep deprived, he went 23 hours without leaving her.
Jeannie had a monitor with a screen so she could watch her mom from what ever room she was in. Everyone was grief-stricken. They loved her very much.
Jeannie went to visit her bedside: Whispering in her ear: "Go. Go be with them. If God reaches out His hand, take it. We're OK. It's time." Her mother was 92 years old. She took His hand.
In our phone conversation, Jeannie let out a sigh. I could hear the exhaustion. "You know, mom always said the phrase: You can let it make you bitter or better."
Her words stuck with me that whole day.
I thanked her for talking to me. And hung up the phone.
I felt like I learned some important life lessons in that call.
Like some high power was speaking directly. And if I tried that phone number again, it may not exist.
I'm just grateful for moments like that, despite it being on my least favorite electronic. This time it was worth it.
"You can let it make you bitter or better." -Jeannie's Mom's quote.
