Paula’s Story

In the early hours of the morning, Paula drives to the hospital. Her husband’s kidneys depend on their machines to remove the waste and extra fluids from his body. Three times a week she leaves the house at 12 am, drives for an hour, picks up her husband, drives back and returns home by 2 am.

5am she wakes to pray

6:30am drives the bus to school

During the day she attends classes

3-5 pm drives the bus

Tonight, she has company for dinner. As she grips the steering wheel, the exhaustion weighs down hard on her slumped shoulders. How will she make it through the rest of the day?

From the back of the bus, she hears music. The words are familiar; the tune she has heard before. Her daughter’s voice sings a simple song, yet the words fill her with renewed strength. Paula smiles as energy fills her being.

Many years later. . . .

Paula is hurting. Her head throbs from the infection in her wound. Skin cancer on her forehead required surgery. A large piece of her skin was removed, and now the long journey to healing begins.

She no longer drives the bus. Her daughter now has children of her own and lives in another state. They often chat by phone and share about their day.

Today Paula receives a voice text from her daughter. She pushes the button on the screen and hears the song. It’s the same song, but the voice is deeper. Tears run down her cheek as the music soothes her aching heart.

A daughter’s prayer

You treated me like your own and brought me into your family. Not step-mom, but friend, is whom you have become. You could have forgotten about me after daddy died, but you refused to let me go. Distance would not keep you from me.  Letters, presents, phone calls, adventures. . . you were determined to stay in touch. From childhood to adulthood. From singleness to marriage. From state-to-state, you drove to be with me. My heart is full of love for you, my dear second mom.

Paula and Tina 1977

Wish my song could heal your pain. You are my hero!

Paula’s story is one of endurance, loyalty, and hope. Whom do you have in your life who inspires you when you are going through a difficult time?

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the stories of hope that surround us. As we listen to the stories of other women, we are reminded of Your faithfulness. Help us to remember these stories when we are tempted to give up.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen