After All That Trouble

They should have taken the hint from the childbirth.

To say it was tricky would be the understatement of the year. How Kelly was able to make it through the hours of hard labour was a wonder to her husband Frank. The doctors said it would be difficult and at one point they weren’t even sure if mother and child would survive the procedure. Frank held onto Kelly’s hand tightly urging her to hold on, urging her to know he was with her. She pulled through and so did their baby who they agreed should be called Gina. Mother and daughter had to stay in the hospital for a few days to make sure the checks went well and there was another scary moment when Gina stopped breathing. Again after some hard work from the doctors, there was a reprieve and Gina gained strength and breathed again.

They should have taken the hint.

Gina struggled at school and because of her frail figure was a target for snide remarks from the other girls and complete ignorance from the boys. Sometimes she’d come home crying about the treatment she received. She didn’t think she could make any friends. Frank and Kelly listened to her patiently and comforted her consistently. They reassured her that as she fought to stay alive before, so she can fight to get what she is looking for.

Gina developed a resolve and focus that eventually impressed some around her and eventually she made a few friends. Having fought to get through school and find what mattered to her – helping others who struggled against the cruelties of life. It was not easy for her at all, yet every time she fell into the depths of despair, Frank and Kelly were right there for her, encouraging her. Letting her know that the strength she received to overcome was the same source for strength to help her get through those dark times.

When she finally worked her way to prominence and influence in her community she set up a foundation that made it their point of duty to be a presence for those who didn’t have a Frank or Kelly to be on hand. Individuals who would be there to help those in need to discover the source for that strength. It wasn’t about the self-will or determination. It was about tapping into that source of strength and being grateful to emerge through the storm able to flourish and thrive after all that trouble.

(Photo by Joshua Gresham on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden