I ran into one of my most favorite people at Wal-Mart today. Let me tell you about her - Mrs. Ellis, my best friend's mom.
Back in the day, I was a very bad girl. You know the kind - I drank, I smoked pot, I skipped school, I was fast, I was wild. You know, the kind of girl you tell your kids not to run around with. I know I would tell my kids to not run around with me!
But anyway, Mrs. Ellis would welcome me into her home - at any hour, in any condition, for any length of time. She even welcomed me for about 6 weeks during my senior year of high school but that's another story.
She was always kind. Always patient. Always loving. She would never judge. She would encourage me to walk a straighter path. She would listen to my troubles. She would hold me as I cried.
I have never known another woman with such compassion and such strength. I love her deeply.
How did she gain such compassion? I'm not sure but I think it had something to do with the fact that she has been through hell. She had a husband that was abusive. She lost a son in a tragic accident when he was 20. She lost a daughter (my best friend) to drugs - had to have her declared unfit and is now raising her grandsons.
And through it all, she kept moving forward. Never let those things stop her. Never let those things make her bitter.
Now she has been given another blow. It is her young granddaughter that is battling leukemia. But even with this, her strength is apparent. Her outlook is positive.
I wish there was some way I could blink and make everything better. But I can't. So I'll just keep her and her family in my prayers. And hug her tightly every time I see her.
9 comments:
Oh what a powerful post, Woody... I think that YOU could be that woman --to others who are younger than you and going through some of the things you went through while younger. You are SO caring and loving.. I can feel that in your posts. I'm sure that somewhere along the way you will help someone else just as your best friend's mother has helped you and been an influence to you.
BUT--I hope that you don't have to endure so much tragedy in YOUR life. Some of us get more than our share. BUT--for those who have had rough times, they seem to be stronger than ever.
I hope Mrs. Ellis will see this post. I'm sure it will make her happy --to see that you have turned into such a warm, caring and loving young woman.
Hugs,
Betsy
I will keep Mrs. Ellis and her grandaughter in my prayers with you Woody. How wonderful for you to find Mrs. Ellis and that she left such a wonderful place in your heart. And it is nice she is not so far away. You both are incredible women in my book!
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She sounds like a phenomenal woman. The kind of person we should all aspire to imitate.
What a wonderful woman that has been in your life. Since I was one of those girls, like you, I have a feeling had we known each other we would have been hanging around each other...lol. Probally not a good thing huh?! I am so thankful that you have had her in your life. I am sure it is a blessing for her to see how well you have turned out. I am sorry that she has endured such heart ache in her life but it seems that those that do and don't become bitter because of it are those that are incredible woman that touch the lives of others. I can see you being that woman too Woody.
I'm so glad you had Mrs. Ellis in your life, she probably helped you more than you or she realizes! I will definitely send healing thoughts to her granddaughter!
What a lovely tribute to her - I'm so glad you had Mrs. Ellis there for you!
Your post should be a reminder to us adults that kids need us - even those that aren't "technically" ours!!
Everyone needs someone like Mrs. Ellis in their lives. Someone who doesn't judge others, just tries to guide them down a better path. I did, thank God. I lost sweet friend to pancreatic cancer, so I'm sorry to hear this dear woman is having to suffer yet again. I'll keep Mrs. Ellis in my prayers too.
the Mrs. Ellis' of this world are what makes it go around. God Bless her and keep her going. A REAL woman! :-))
Mrs Ellis and her granddaughter are in my prayers. Our family spend many years walking the same path.....just know they need friends now and for a long time to be there for them. You are that kind of friend.
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