The summer of 1999 was a very interesting summer. My momma had died in August of 98. I moved to Ft. Worth January of 99. I was getting ready to spend a summer at our church's pool (literally). I had signed up for lifeguard training on Saturday and Sunday then Water Safety Instructor training Monday- Friday then back to lifeguard training Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. I have never been so exhausted. Swimming until I was doing strokes in my sleep. Literally falling asleep in my open swim books/lesson plans.
I met an older lady named Donna Hardin that week. I don't remember much about her other than she was kind and a good bit older. I felt unprepared for our swim class training that week. We were among swim stars from their high schools and gung ho cute blonde girls. What I do remember about Donna was this-
Then I moved back to Alabama eventually. And one day my charm broke. But I kept it. So one day I could fix it. But then it got lost. And it made me sad.
Late this spring I started googling Donna. She had given me a brochure about her business- she makes kalidescopes. Not your paper and plastic little kalidescope. But metal and glass and full of momentos you provide. They were cool. I finally found her. And emailed her.
I explained how much her kindness had meant to me 13 years ago. And explained my situation summer of 99. And asked if it at all possible she might be able to sell me another charm? She emailed me back days later and explained that her son had died from car wreck complications and my story and encouragement was God's timing. She said she no longer makes those but she dug around and found one. And she would be glad to send it to me.
Then a little later an envelope arrived in my box. (Oh how I LOVE real mail. Packages are bonus!) And there was the little card. And two charms.
Such a small thing. Such a big reminder. Our Hope is in Him. Our future is in Heaven. With Him. God is so good. Trust in that.
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