As I picked up the phone to take the customer call, there was a moment of silence before the woman's voice began. Her name was Beverly. She explained to me how she had prayed before she placed the phone call. She was uncertain as to where or how she should begin to tell me her story.
Beverly then proceeded with the death of her husband in October 2004. Then two years later her oldest daughter passed away. With each loss she had purchased a Comfort Cross® for herself and each of her surviving children. They wrote messages on their crosses and tucked them into the caskets.
Through her details of the tragic losses she had experienced, I sensed a great deal of strength and hope within her. She wanted me to know she could not have gotten through it all without her faith in God and the crosses that provided her and her family a tangible bridge from this life to their loved ones in heaven. She said they felt the Lord's presence and His loving touch heal their broken hearts as they held the corresponding crosses. It was then I discovered the basis for Beverly's strength.
Yet there was more to her story. She went on to explain that her son was currently awaiting a heart transplant. She was hopeful that he would survive his crisis; however, she felt the need to purchase two more crosses for herself and her surviving daughter.
We talked at length and, as such, developed a bond of faith and mutual friendship. We were connected through our prayers for each other over the years, reconnecting via phone conversation from time to time.
A few years later she called to tell me her son had lost his battle and passed away. Then again only last week Beverly called to order another Comfort Cross®. She had lost her youngest daughter, her last child. With the inherent peace and faith of which I have come to know her, she described how they were all in heaven. Putting, herself and her loss aside, she exemplified the ultimate hope and expectation of God's promise of eternal life.
In the midst of it all with remarkable selflessness, she reminded me of how she continues to pray for me and our business. My heart went out to her as I felt so humbled in comparison. As our phone conversation came to an end, I was overwhelmingly grateful to share in this women's life, and yes in her grief...to witness such courage and faith.
"To have courage for whatever comes in life...everything lies in that."
St Teresa of Avila
There are times when we need to share our stories and times when we need to listen. Yet through it all we come to know life's richness through our connections. Whether sparked by a casual greeting extended to a stranger or an in-depth sharing between the closest of friends or family, those connections guide us to share and receive the love God has placed within each of us. With it comes a sense of gratitude...such as I experienced because Beverly had the courage to place that call and share her story with me so many years ago.
