Divine encounter on aisle 6

Today after I dropped the girls off at school, I decided to go to T.J. Maxx because I had some things I needed to return. As I was looking at the childrens bedding trying to find something for Sydney's room, I saw my friend Nicol. I had run into her a few months back, but before that I hadn't seen her since we toured together back in 2000. 10 long years ago. So much had happened since then for both of us.

I had been meaning to send her an email through Facebook since I lost Jonathan, but never had gotten around to it. I guess the Lord knew that I needed to talk to her. I never imagined it would be down an aisle of T.J. Maxx. I told her the story as tears streamed down my face. At one point one of the ladies who worked there came over and asked us if we were ok. I told her we were and she proceeded to hand us some kleenex. I think we talked for what seemed like 30 minutes.

Nicol knows what it's like to lose a child. She lost her son Luke to SIDS a little over 2 years ago. I remember hearing about it on our local Christian radio and my heart just broke. I just couldn't imagine the pain she and her husband were going through. I hadn't seen her in years, but I had such fond memories of our talks while we were on tour. Standing in TJ Maxx we talked about those conversations and how surreal it felt to be standing here 10 years later talking about the children we had lost.

She was such an encouragement to my soul. It's rare to find someone who really knows what you are going through. Most of my friends, thankfully, have never lost a child. There is a kinship with other women that is instant when you have lost a baby. No words need to be spoken, you can just look into their eyes and see the pain. Nicol was the encouragement I needed today and I am so thankful that He put it on our hearts to both go shopping at TJ Maxx.

I didn't end up finding a comforter for Sydney's room, but I found so much more. Comfort from an old friend. Thanks Nicol. Can't wait to get our girls together for a playdate.

2 comments:

Elisabeth said...

Moments after my son was born the nurse asked us what his name was. I drew a blank because it was something we put off until we found out the gender. I'd read Nicol's story and had followed her sister in law's as well. I prayed for a wonderful name to come to mind, and I thought of Nichol's beautiful boy and another name my husband and I loved. our son was named Lukas Ethan but we refer to him as Luke. I long for the day I get to see my sweet boy in heaven. Hard to believe he'll have been there for a year next month.

Praying for your family.

natalie said...

My family and I have been on the path of infertilily and loss. I know how empty arms ache and a heart can be so heavy. I'm so sorry about your loss of sweet Jonathan. I hope today's surgery was successful and your body and spirit can begin to heal. Praying for you and your family.

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