The Front Porch: Kind and Knowledgeable
By KATHY BOHANNON, Special to The Shopper
I learned a lot when my grandlittle Wren was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 16 months. Today she is six and thankfully, in remission. I am in awe of so many things God revealed during the time I was half of her care team.
One thing was a certain prayer, one that I have benefitted from time and time again. It is a prayer that got me through countless trips from my home in the Savannah area to my daughter’s home in Newnan, and finally to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta (CHOA) where my daughter and I would spend a week with Wren as she underwent chemo.
Occasionally I felt that I probably shouldn’t mingle with the rest of humanity. My demeanor would be edgy. I didn’t need difficulty beyond what was already the most difficult time of my life. During prayer time, I felt God urging me to ask for “kind and knowledgeable people” in my path.
I prayed it over and over again while I had to continue with life. I prayed it when I had to make personal business calls; I prayed it before getting out of the car at the grocery store or drug store. I prayed it when I was driving in Atlanta traffic, and even when parking in the underground lot at CHOA.
My business calls resulted with kind and knowledgeable people helping me. Once, at the grocery store, I prayed my prayer for a moment before getting out of my car. A man parked in front of me, causing a buggy to roll into my car. It was a difficult day for me and I was exhausted. I hadn’t been able to trust my attitude for months, and I surely didn’t trust it then. I didn’t have time or money to deal with a dented quarter panel.
The guy got out of his truck. He was apologetic. He was kind. He checked my car, made sure there were no scratches. He placed a hand on my shoulder, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see that cart.” I smiled at his kindness.
In the twenty years we lived in Moreland, I never wanted to drive in Atlanta. Savannah was plenty of traffic for me, and once we moved there, I was pretty sure any possibility of Atlanta traffic was far behind me.
Fast forward to CHOA. Every time I sat in my car, waiting for my son-in-law to load suitcases, I’d pray that prayer.
From Newnan to Atlanta, lanes opened. People gave gaps as if they knew I really, really needed to change lanes. Additionally, CHOA’s underground parking was frightening for me. I just hated being underground. I didn’t want to make a wrong turn and be against traffic.
One day, a young man on a golf cart drove toward us, gesturing for us to follow him. I was thankful to have him leading, as he knew the pattern of the parking lot and I wouldn’t have to worry about making wrong turns. He led me to an available parking space and I honestly wanted to get out and hug him. Once again, God gave what was needed.
I continue to use this prayer in my daily life. God knows our needs, it’s up to us to trust Him to fulfill them.
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Kathy Bohannon shares her love of crafting on Facebook and on YouTube at Kathy Bohannon Creatively Blessed. She and her husband John live in west Newnan. She can be reached at [email protected].
