SHE CALLS ME "HER ANGEL"

Almost every Monday and Friday Morning for the past 7 1/2 months... I have gone to an extended living facility to care for a precious lady that we all know as "Sister".  On November 16th she will turn 90 years young.  I had gone to church with her for almost 19 years and admired her "prayer warrior spirit" just as many years.  She sat in the same pew (unless a visitor had beat her to it), was always dressed so neatly, many of her outfits bought by a younger sister, her weekly styled soft white hair, and jewelry that matched almost every outfit.  

I started going to lift her spirits and to pamper this dear friend.  Fragrant soaps, sweet smelling lotions, body sprays, perfume, make-up, hairspray, and all the necessities, along with necklace, earrings, and bracelet to match her outfit... are all a part of our routine.  But the most special part of this bi-weekly event, is that of "washing her feet".  I know a lot of churches do this as a form of worship - but all of the Baptist Churches that I've ever attended, do not practice this example set forth by our Lord.  Fresh hot water is always gotten and I proceed to my floor position in front of her seat.  First, the soaking (and usually lots of laughter), then the washing, followed by towel drying and lotion before shimmying on her skid proof socks.  I can't tell you what an HONOR this ritual is for me!

It doesn't matter who walks into the room, or who calls on the phone - she always refers to me as "her Angel" (and I can't help but smile every time I hear it)!  All of us are made with a desire deep within to be needed, and since my children are grown and have homes of their own... that feeling has to come from somewhere else.  For me it comes from a room, on a back hall, with a pink and green fluffy wreath on the door, at a place called Smithfield Manor.  

I go to encourage "Sister"... yet I leave more encouraged than you can imagine.  As I'm walking out the door - she never fails to tell me she loves me and to "keep looking up"!  The other day she was not feeling well and I bathed her in the bed... when I readied to leave - I kissed her on the cheek, told her I loved her, and she touched my hand, squeezed it and said... "You're my best friend."  I joked with her on my way out of the room, told her I'd see her at our next appointed time, and closed the door on what I call her... 
"MY BLESSING!"