Hope Rising by Kim Meeder

Author:Kim Meeder [Meeder, Kim]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Inspirational, Non-Fiction, Spirituality
ISBN: 9780307564337
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Published: 2003-08-05T00:00:00+00:00

A Perfect Match

JUST WALKING up the hill that leads to our ranch made Mary’s breath come in shallow pants. Her skin was deathly pale, and a bluish cast covered her eyes and lips. During our simple greeting, it was very apparent that this woman was gravely ill.

Mary had come to Crystal Peaks from Washington State with her husband and two children. After we made our introductions, one of my staff quietly brought a chair so that Mary could sit down and catch her breath.

Although her body had been ravaged by illness, there was something remarkable, something indomitable about her spirit. Her expression, though worn on a tired face, was always one of absolute contentment. She radiated the deep sense of thanksgiving known only to those who realize how precious every moment of life is. I was in awe of her. Later in the day, Mary shared with the kids and staff that she had a rare and progressive condition for which there was no cure.

The ranch was humming with children, leaders, and horses working together in a concert of dust and giggles. Mary watched peacefully as her children were caught up in the happy tune. They were beautiful, quiet kids. Beyond their bright smiles and inquisitive questions lay a faint, somber maturity that young children seldom possess. It was obvious that they were fully aware of how sick their mom was, of how short their life with her might be.

Chairs were strategically placed about the ranch to ensure that Mary would always be able to sit and have a clear view of her children’s progress. She and her husband moved from the hitching area to the arena, stopping from time to time to chat with the special friends who had brought them.

A high layer of clouds stretched across the sky, washing our world below in soft violet light. I was in the arena helping one of my leaders with Mary’s children when I noticed that she was gone. Perhaps she needed to use the restroom, I reasoned. Not wanting her to miss any of her children’s experiences, I was a little hesitant to start without her. I turned to go look for her when suddenly, to my enormous surprise, Mary herself walked in. She was wearing a helmet and leading a fully saddled horse! Kelsie, an exceptionally efficient junior leader with all the wisdom of a fourteen-year-old, was cheerfully leading Mary and the horse to the center of the arena. When they stopped, I could hear Kelsie explaining how to properly mount a horse. She’s really going to ride? I both asked and told myself.

I felt a shiver of doubt. Lord, is this okay? I made my way to where Mary’s husband was watching and questioned him with a look that plainly asked, “Are you sure this is all right?”

He shrugged and smiled, shaking his head. In a deep, gentle voice he simply said, “She never ceases to surprise me.” His smile touched me like a warm breeze.

Immediately I sensed how important this event was.

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