Today I want to take time to remember a very special lady in my life. When I first opened Crystal Haven it was because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the elderly. Give them the love and care and compassion they deserved. Nina and her husband Wayne were our first residents. Nina was one of those little ladies that was selfless her whole life. She and the love of her life were married for over 65 years. Never having any children of their own, they gave of them selves to their niece's and nephew's. Nina was a nurse and was there to love so many people. She worked for several years at the nursing home in Clare. Also she taught the CNA classes in Harrison. But what I want to share is how she impacted my life.
She was out helping when she couldn't even walk. She helped can pickles and peaches and tomatoes. When I was out working in the yard I would put a blanket on the ground and lift her from her chair and put her on the ground beside and we pulled weeds together. This is where she wanted to be. Working beside me every chance she got. She would tell me, " Your going to think your young and then your going to wake up one day and be sitting in a chair like this." We talked for hours and she shared lots of her nurses wisdom, She shared her faith and her love for God with me. I would sit and sing to her for more then a half an hour nearly everyday. We became so close. She loved doing rock flower beds just like I did too. She would say when we get to Heaven we are going to both be young. We should live beside each other on the new earth so that we can help each other do rock work on our places. We would talk about how pretty the stones and jewels would be there. We talked about being faithful and making sure nothing stood between us and God so we would be ready. We prayed together for those who didn't know Jesus.
Then one day my mama fell on the ice. We begin the long days of mamas sickness. Nina also begin to fail in her health. I told her that I needed her and she said ok. I would come home from a day or two of being in the hospital with my mom and come in and sit at her feet laying my head in her lap. She would stroke my hair and face and pray and cry with me. We talked of a better world that was coming. She was my comfort and strength through those first few months of losing my mom. Also during those months Nina new her time was short. She wanted to be sure and be ready for Jesus. She took the Bible and read it clear through again in 3 months. She would read until her eyes hurt so bad she would feel almost crazy and shaky. I would read to her as well. Such precious times. During the last week of her I lay in her hospital bed beside her and held her close and prayed and sang softly. The last few days I brought a recliner in and sat beside her and held her hand. My son and I sat there together while she breathed her last breath.
No I didn't make the difference they were making a difference in my life. Showing me Jesus in so many ways. This little lady I can not wait to see in Heaven. I know that day is coming soon. So to you my sweet Nina, I love you with all my heart. Everyday is a struggle but I am grasping the Saviors hand and letting Him lead. I will see you soon. When Jesus comes.
If any of you have time take it and find someone who is older who is lonely and doesn't have family close. Visit them and make a difference. Give of yourself. Because you truly won't be giving but you will be receiving a blessing without measure.
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