Sweet Mary

Back in 2013 Linda J. and I went to the LWMS Convention when it was in LaCrosse, WI. Actually hosted by congregations in the Winona, MN area, it was conducted in "LA" because of the availability of hotel space and a convention center. We stayed with my sister, Lori, at her home, and Lynn, our other sister, came along to hang out with Lori while Linda and I were at the Convention. 

While there, Linda and I made the acquaintance of a charming lady, Mary, 70 years of age and going strong! In a few months of us meeting her, Mary was going to Thailand to work at an orphanage and teach the little ones about their Savior. We were blown away. Linda was vigilant and got Mary's contact info so we could keep in touch with each other, and hear about her trip to Thailand. I am so glad Linda did get her e-mail because I hear from Mary periodically, especially if something is going on in her life. Another fun thing is that Mary and her husband used to live in Manitowoc, had a home on JJ, and we had a friend in common---a man who drove my school bus! What fun that was to meet her!

This week I got an e-mail from her with a sweet and sad story attached to it. Mary wrote to tell me about getting a delivery of flowers from an unexpected source. Her story was that she called Capitol One, her credit card company, to inquire if she had enough points earned to qualify for a free flight. She told the Customer Service lady how she needs to fly to MI to say good-bye to her mother (YES!, she still has her mother!!!) and this would be her 3rd funeral in 4 months. Mary lost her daughter, a sister, and now soon, her mother already this year. Heart-rending! Mary was choked up as she spoke to the Agent, told me she could barely get her info out. 

The flowers which arrived were from that very nice Customer Service agent at Capital One who felt so badly for Mary. I was so moved to read that, such a terrifically kind gesture on her part. And it blew Mary away! What I didn't hear was if she qualified for the free flight or not. I asked Mary but she hasn't answered me yet. It's great that Mary reaches out to me with stuff like this, makes my heart happy and renews my faith that there are good people out there!!  God's blessings to Mary as she travels to say her last good-byes to her mom. "Until we meet again..."