My parents lived their whole adult lives (they are in their 70's now) in New Orleans, Louisiana and were temporarily visiting us (August 2005) in Birmingham, Alabama. They had planned to stay three or four days and had no awareness of the impending hurricane. Their home was within a mile (at most) of one of the worst hit levees and remained under 8 feet of water for weeks at least. Even their car was totally submerged. It was a total loss and has since been demolished down to the dirt. Nothing remains on site but they did save some special things.
My parents are very resilient and found a small apartment in Birmingham. My neighbors provided so many wonderful things to furnish an apartment and so they moved in. Immediately a man from the same small complex walked up (after talking with the apartment manager) and explained that he was to be married very soon and could not use any of his furniture or small appliances. He immediately moved all of his belongings straight into their apartment, including his own clothes and they now had a full apartment! This was such an incredible demonstration of God's Love and care.
My parents did well until they started to droop during the following May and June of 2006. I did become concerned and began trying to "solve this problem". My husband and I kept our eyes out for a suitable house as they really need more space and provided them information on local events, etc.
In June, my husband and daughter left for two weeks to attend a Christian Science summer camp in Missouri. This was a wonderful time for further study and reflection. The day before Father's Day I took my parents to pick blueberries for a diversion and we all enjoyed this greatly. I had a moment in which I truly said, "I am not going to be seeking a house for my parents. They truly are just fine where they are."
That same evening I had a strong message while at home alone to "Stand Up" which I did, "Go for a walk", "Turn Left", and "Stop here" which I also did. Let me say I have never had any experience quite like this before and can be rather hard-headed at times but I felt no anxiety or resistance at all.
Well, when I stopped I looked up (this is 1/4 block from my own house) and I saw a house for sale that seemed to be specifically for them. I immediately called the agent and we planned to meet ASAP. It being a holiday, Father's Day, the agent wished to wait until the following day and no other agents could see this house. I felt this was divinely figured out for me. I also never ever noticed this house particularly
before and had never seen a for sale sign in the yard.
My parents bought the house the day they viewed the house and continue to live there now. They have since perked up and have some new best friends that live nearby that are so close in interests that it is a perfect match!
I am so grateful for the realization that I personally am not the source of solutions and just need to take my one next step without even knowing where I am going.
- Linda