A Tender Mercy

2-2-13

Damond,

          Can I tell you that I had a very special experience? I have always loved running. It’s always been quite therapeutic for me. I decided that now, more than ever, I need to run. I have already signed up for Susan’s 5K Run and Color Me Rad in Yuma with Farar’s and Friends.  I, also, just signed up to run the Half Marathon Mini in Indianapolis, again.

Running is never easy. Well, it’s even harder when you are crying. But these tears need to come out. Usually, I run by myself. But this morning, the weather was so nice there were many people running along the canal. Towards the end of my run, I stopped running, because it really is hard to run when you are sobbing. A young lady came up to me and hugged me. She held me while I cried and repeated, “It will be ok. You can be strong.” She provided a shoulder when I needed one and spoke words I needed to hear. When I related to her about your passing, she offered condolences, but told me how her dad had died in a civil war when she was five. I began to ask about her story. She is a young girl of 16 years from Eastern Africa. She moved here three years ago to join her mother who had immigrated before her. She told me about how much she misses her country, family, and friends, but she is here to get an education to better her life. She saw my ASU shirt and said she hopes to go there someday, too.  When I asked her what she wanted to study she said, “oh, maybe premed. If I can do it.”  I was able to tell her about you and all your hard work to accomplish that goal. I told her that “all things are possible. That I knew she could do it.”

I told her about the boys and asked her if she remembers her dad. She told me she doesn’t even remember what he looks like and does not even have a photograph of him. As we parted ways, she repeated to me, “You can do it. Everything will be ok. You will see.”

What a tender mercy from my Father in Heaven to show me He is aware of me. He sent a young girl, who has suffered much, but has the courage and spirit to comfort someone in need. He reminded me of the many blessings that surround the boys and I at this time. We are blessed to have had such quality time with you. We are blessed to have photographs and movies that will help us remember you. We are immensely blessed to have so many family and friends that will help share your memory with the boys. I, hope, that in time, the boys and I may comfort others as that girl comforted me.

Brother Jardine has continually reminded me of the scripture Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” This scripture helps me find strength when I think I have none. After parting ways with the young lady, I began to run again and Strong and Courageous by Jenny Phillips was playing on my ipod.

(words adapted from the song)

“I am a daughter of God,with vision of who I am 

and the love of the Savior in my heart.

I can be strong and courageous!”

Forever and Always,

Adriana