Thursday, December 22, 2011

An Angel Saved Christmas; A Christmas Miracle

    For some reason I've had a hard time getting into Christmas this year.  November was so amazing with my book release.  For more information about that, how I've donated proceeds, and a chance to win a copy of my book, please go here: The Golden Sky by EC Stilson

    This year has been incredible--the most memorable year I've ever had--maybe even more so than when Cade and I were homeless street musicians in Hawaii.  From skydiving to visiting the Bahamas; from blogging each day to getting a book published.       
    Many tiny miracles happened so my book could be in print.  On Zeke's birthday, November 18th, I went to his grave and left a published copy of his book there.  It was my final way of saying goodbye.  I can't describe how that felt.  It was so bittersweet.  At the time I had a romantic notion that God and Zeke were guiding me.  I'd somehow leave the book and then the right person would find it and read it.  Silly idea, I know, but that's still what I hoped for.
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    After returning from his grave, I wrote a metaphorical story about it on my blog.  That one tribute took so much out of me.  I cried and cried at the computer because I was finally saying goodbye--after years.  You can read that story, about an old house and a woman who's finally ready to move on.  Here's that link: My final tribute--for Zeke
    Anyway, November moved into December.  Cade and I started fighting really bad.  My blog didn't see any of that because I cope with laughter.  Then the washer broke; my laptop died; one of my best friends found out she needed to leave the state.  Then to top all of that off, two days ago, Doctor Jones could have gone blind from putting chemicals in her eyes.
    I sat on my bed and thought about how bad life sucks sometimes.  Seriously.  I remember when Zeke was dying.  The whole experience was terrible, but somehow I got through.  I prayed after remembering, because God had been the one who helped me the entire time.
    "God," I prayed.  "I'm worried about everything.  It's Christmas and my life is falling apart.  I don't know what I'm doing anymore.  Please give me some sort of sign that you love me and we'll make it through."
    The Scribe knocked on my bedroom door.  "Mom?  Are you okay?"
    "Fine," I said.  "I'm fine."  I cleared my throat, then wiped the tears from my eyes.  "I can be strong," my voice came out as a whisper.  After all, it wasn't like Zeke was dying again. 
    I swear I can be such a pansy at times, though.  Once my Aunt told me I'm her hero.  I nearly laughed.  Can you imagine me being someone's hero, yet I crumple when a washing machine breaks?  What's my power, acidic tears?
    Anyway, I went downstairs and hopped on the repaired laptop--that cost more than my life is worth, practically.
    That's when the tides changed.  I read a message on my facebook author page: EC Stilson | Facebook.  

    This is what the message said:
     I loved your book and I left you a message here on facebook when you get a chance, you are a very busy woman!!! Thank You so much for sharing. May your family have a very Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you a lot of Joy. :)

    I ended up giving the woman my e-mail address and you'll never believe this next part.
    I'm crying again as I write this.  Sometimes God's goodness is so amazing, so overwhelming it's hard to process.  We don't think He sees each of us and our needs, but He does.
    Here's the e-mail she sent to me (which she generously said I could share with you):


    Hi, I am sure you do not know me. You see Zeke's grave is right next to my sister's grave.
    I did go out to put some Christmas decorations on my sister's grave and Zeke's, I have been putting a little something on his when I go out there as well, and I came across a copy of your book. I did take the copy and I will pass it on to my sister and my mom as well. It touched me in ways that you will not know. I am so glad you let us share in it. I cried when I read the part when Zeke passed as well as many other times. You are a very strong lady, and I am glad you wrote the book. I am sure you will help many moms and dads that have walked in your shoes.
     I hope my sister is up there enjoying Zeke as well as a lot of your family members are. She loved children too.
     I just wanted you to know how I felt and to let you know that I will continue to leave things on Zeke's grave if that is OK. I feel even closer to him now that I know his story.
     We lost my sister to Breast Cancer at the age of 45, and I was very close to her.
    Once again, I just wanted to say thanks. You are very talented. God bless you and your family. Take Care



    This meant so much.  Not only had she read the book, but she'd been leaving things on Zeke's grave.  We live a good distance from him and just the thought that someone visited him when I can't--that was a blessing!  


    Here's part of my response:

    The fact that you got the book and read it seems like a miracle to me.  It's just amazing how things work :)  I'm so thankful that your sister's grave is next to my little boy's.


    Here's her last response:

    I felt the same way when I saw the book there. It was like it was there for a reason and I am so glad I was the lucky one to have picked it up. I am so glad you will let me leave things on Zeke's grave, I feel like he is part of us now too. What a great little boy and mom to have touched so many people and you still have a long way to go.

    Reading that e-mail, I realized something important.  There's a difference between letting go and saying goodbye.  After all, when you say goodbye, you know you'll see each other again.

    If you're struggling this Christmas, or just struggling in general, please know how much God loves you.  It's amazing the miracles that can happen, if we just hope and pray for them.  Thank God someone found the book; thank God He's watching out for all of us.
   Merry Christmas!

33 comments:

  1. Amazing how such things happen sometimes. Wonderful she found it and nice of her to share too.

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  2. God still performs miracles. Thanks for this!

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  3. This brought tears to my eyes. We never really know what people are going through unless they let us in. And sometimes when that happens our pain and troubles can work miracles
    For someone else. Thank you

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  4. Wow, what a moving post. I can only imagine the pain of losing a child (and I just kissed my son as I typed that in). I have been struggling with Christmas as well, it's feels like it doesn't exist this year. I hope that soon, with prayers, I will be able to feel this joyous occasion.

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  5. Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing the inspiration EC.

    I remember Mother Theresa saying a regular prayer to stay out of the way and to let things work out in His plan. It is something that I should consider doing more often.

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  6. I always remember that first Christmas long ago when Mary rode that donkey all the way to Bethlehem. It had to have been hard, but look what came of it!
    Just so you know yes I can see you as someone's hero, because you are my hero.

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  7. God bless you. God bless Zeke. God bless eke's new found friend.

    Merry Christmas.

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  8. God bless you and Merry Christmas.

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  9. Sheez! I got goosebumps and shivers over and over again while reading this! Thanks for sharing!

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  10. That is an awe inspiring event. I am glad it lightened your holidays for you again. We love you.

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  11. What a beautiful story. I'm definitely putting your book on my "to read" list. Please have a merry Christmas and very happy 2012! (stopping in from VB today).

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  12. Hi, When My Sister , Father And Mother All Died Within A Year And A Half , It Was Really Overwhelming. But I Was Given Signs That They Were Still Around Me. We Knew My Mother Was Dying , She Had Pancreatic Cancer. She Told Me She Saw An Angel Before She Died. And We Also Knew My Father Was Dying. While He Was In The Hospital He Told Us He Was Flying Above Us And For Us To Put Him Back In Bed. So I Do Believe I Will See Them Again Some Day. Anna

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  13. You know I can't type a comment while I'm crying..........

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  14. FYI: I'm sitting in the office crying right now. And I'm totally good with that. Thank you.

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  15. God always finds a way to give us encouragement, lift up our spirits and help us find our way in a world that can often be dreary at best. I am SO glad you have a kindred spirit helping you visit your beloved son.

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  16. You are truly blessed and one of Gods favorites since he obviously keeps reminding you!

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  17. A miracle from His mighty hand, for sure! Thank you so much for sharing this.

    You struck a chord with me when you mentioned how challenging life has been since you published your book. Every morning I spend time reading and studying the Bible. A few scriptures came to mind that God seemed to be pointing out to me over and over again and your post brought my mind back to them once again. They are Judges 15:18 and 1 Kings 19:3. The general message in them is that depression often follows great achievements or spiritual victories.

    You may recall that I recently finished writing a book about ways to cope during unemployment. When I decided the editing was done and considered it finished, I felt this huge weight being released from my shoulders. Even though it isn't officially published yet, I still feel an enormous sense of accomplishment writing and sharing something deeply emotional and near to my heart.

    In these Bible passages, the study notes remind us to get adequate rest after a huge accomplishment and then get back to our mission, whatever that may be. God's purpose for us is not finished, even though we feel like our purpose is no longer there. And we need to remember that it was only with the strength of God that we achieved our victory.

    Anyway, I don't know if that speaks to you or not, but I felt called to share it. I know I can certainly relate to it.

    ~Wishing you and your family a beautiful and blessed Christmas!

    Rosann

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  18. There are so many emotions that pull at us during this time I try to keep balanced by making fun of things and being silly.

    Your post today was a biggie. I'm glad to know that Zeke has an extra angel watching over him til you see him again.

    Merry Christmas young one.

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  19. Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing the inspiration EC.

    I remember Mother Theresa saying a regular prayer to stay out of the way and to let things work out in His plan. It is something that I should consider doing more often.

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  20. I have tears glistening in my eyes- and I am so touched by this post. I am all choked up! It is a Christmas miracle. How wonderful that she found your book and now, Zeke will have another visitor! The world works in mysterious ways sometimes. Even when life seems to be at its worst- we never know in what way our lives will change. I am so glad you had something uplifing happen. Our lives can change for the beter at any time. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Merry Christmas!
    ~Jess
    http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/

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  21. That is a lovely story Elisa. I hope many more people read your beautifully written story and wish your family all the best for Christmas.

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  22. Miracles do happen. Thank you for sharing you story, with many blessings.

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  23. I came by way of Reality Challenged and I must confess that I am already smitten. I cannot imagine going through what you have been through. God bless you for putting your story out there.

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  24. I am wiping a tear from my eye as I write this. I am so very touched by your story and how it came to be. It is amazing how the miracles are worked out in our lives when we least expect it. I wish I could give you both a big hug.

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  25. I'm crying as I read this and These days the tears seem to come too easy. I've had a rough two years but the last two months have been extremely difficult. Your story is beautiful. It's wonderful that you both have found each other.

    I love your blog - it gives me hope that He is listening - I just have to wait my turn.

    I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas

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  26. My husband probably thinks I am emotionally unstable because I sit down at the computer to browse through blogs and wind up crying, lol! God works in such amazing ways. Your book is a gift to so many! Merry Christmas!

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  27. Thank you for sharing your amazing story!

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  28. That's so cool, Elisa. So incredibly good and amazing and cool. God loves you. God even loves sluts like Lola.

    Love,
    Lola

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  29. 12 years ago, God reminded my family that miracles happen when my mom survived a severe stroke. Even when I didn't realize it, He was guiding me on the right path for my future and helping my family out. I guess we all need that reminder at times and looks like you got yours :)

    Merry Christmas!

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  30. This is so touching. I'm glad I found your blog and am interested to read more. I just want to share with you--from our very personal family experiences this year after my husband's fiance was murdered in a botched robbery....that you WILL see Zeke again. He IS OK and is in good hands. This may sound nuts to someone you barely know, but he has appeared to my sister-in-law several times since his passing and confirmed this to her and us as a family. Much love to you and Merry Christmas!

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