Leilani

She was stranded, I gave her ride

Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash

I want to write, so that’s what I’ll do. Once again I find myself in a season of transition, so once again, I go to the tool of writing . I’m writing and looking for signs.

The contract for one of my social media gigs will be up for renewal at the beginning of next month. I haven’t written up a new contract and neither have they. Mostly because both parties are very busy. Mostly because I’m waiting for a sign.

And the money is pretty good and I don’t want to give that up … yet. So the signs . I suspect that I should consider moving from this position. I’m doing my job well, but I’ve also heard the rumors that I should be doing more. Rumors. They’re annoying and bruise my ego … I want to leave. But I’m scared to go. The money.

The only signs that I seem to be getting is that over the past month I’ve found myself in a small town north of us more times than I’ve been in the past few years, I have a renewed desire to write , last week I made $400 at an art fair selling my handmade necklaces, earrings, chili spice blends, candles and greeting cards. I mostly sold the jewelry inspired by the dark skies out here. There’s this curiosity and attraction to the night skies hence the jewelry.

That’s it …random puzzle pieces. If you can find the clarity in all of this please let me know.

Add to the randomness of the puzzle pieces, as I was driving south from the small town North of us to return home to my family, I saw a Mercedes minivan pulled over on the side of the road with a frail hand sticking out. I quickly turned my car around and pulled over behind her. In the front seat was a frail older white woman in a big hat. Her name is Leilani and she’s got to be about 80 years old. As frail as she is physically, I could tell her spirit is tough as nails. It’s a rural Texas grit that I find amongst some of the older women out here.

Anyway, Leilani had run out of gas and was on her way to visit her elderly husband at the hospital. And she was shaking. She had planned on getting gas in town but the lines were long and she thought the care could make it. It didn’t.

At this point in the day, I was physically and emotionally tired. I drove 1.5 hours one way in an attempt to sell my jewelry wholesale to a larger organization. This was after a night up with sick kids. I was already tired and I didn’t get the enthusiastic response I was hoping for from that company. I didn’t get a no but, I just knew that they would buy all of my goods. I got a maybe - kinda and a promise to email. No good for my ego or my quest for clarity. I started thinking that I should get a “real” job. I was feeling really low.

I was ready to simply finish the last 45 minutes of my journey home when I came across Leilani on the side of the road. But instead of driving by, I pulled over. Laying in bed now, I can’t help but to remember the time - a year ago this month when a group of people pulled over when the children and I were stranded on the side of the road.

Last April, the wheel of our truck had broken off while we were driving into town. It was terrifying. By the grace of God I was able to muscle the wheel and safely get us to the side of the road. With no cell service and my husband out of town and 3 children in tow, a 1 year old, 4 year old and 6 year old on the side of the road, I stuck my arm out to flag for help.

Like Leilani was, a year ago I was shaking. I tried to appear calm for the children, but I was a wreck inside. The adrenaline was pumping through my veins and with a confidence I didn’t know I had, I hoisted the baby up on my hip, grabbed the boys with my free hand, boldly crossed the road and asked the bewildered looking truck full of strangers for help. And they did.

And so I did today. I was happy to help. I drove Leilani to the hospital, explained the situation to the receptionist. I brought her husband’s bags into the waiting room. I then asked the receptionist to call the Sheriff to bring a gas can and then helped her to a chair in the waiting room. We prayed together, hugged and exchanged numbers. She was the bright spot of the day.

About 15 minutes ago, I got a call from a random number and it was Leilani. She excitedly told me about how her day miraculously got better, I listened as she chatted about each miracle that passed since our chance encounter this afternoon. After about 8 minutes we got off of the phone, and promised to do lunch sometime in that same small town north of where I live. She said that I was an angel. Those words reminded me of my mother. Sometimes she’d call me an earth angel. I miss her so much.

Anyway, t’was an interesting day. A challenging day and a good day. I’m hoping for a few more signs and some more clarity. 15 days until my contract is up.

Let me know if you come up with anything below.

Have a goodnight.