Soliloquy Sunday #3 - 2025 Why Not Me? (Instead of asking yourself why me, why not me?)

 

This isn't exactly my story to share and yet, maybe it is. I had the opportunity to care for my children's great grandmother before her passing. She died at the age of 97. Believe it or not, she died as the result of an auto accident and NOT from old age. She had many health problems, but was living at home until a few months prior to her heading to Heaven to live with Jesus. She went to the hospital for a few days stay for treatment of a UTI. They released her and due to a freak accident she was pinned between the passenger door of her daughter's car and a concrete pillar at the hospital. A gentleman had backed into them at precisely the time she was moving from the wheelchair into the car. Definitely a sight I'll never forget (though I have tried). As one of her caregivers, I received the first call and they were still cleaning up the scene as I arrived.

The hospital cared for Naomi as best they could, but ultimately there was not much they could do to restore her to health. She was moved to a nursing home where she spent her final time here on earth. I and the grandchildren visited her often and I have the most beautiful recording of her professing her love to Breccan who she absolutely adored. Both Breccan and Delphine spent a lot of their time with great grandma and Eudora who was not born yet, was named after her (Eudora Naomi). We were blessed to stop and see her to let her know we were having a daughter who would carry on her name - and she was so very proud. 

Thanks for indulging me in that story - now for the point. During her lifetime, Naomi Otto endured so very much. She was a teacher who had to quit teaching because she was pregnant and that was a thing... she milked cows into her late 80's, she buried parents, a husband, siblings, children and grand children, raised grand children who had lost their mother, cared for neighbors, family, friends, and strangers, and was always ready with a meal, a smile, and a story and then...she was struck by a car on her way home from the hospital... and NOT ONCE did she say "why me?". Her attitude was never that of someone who questioned God's plan for her. When asked if she was upset, she would say "why NOT me?". 

I can't even imagine the kind of faith she had to carry her through all the trials and tears of 97 years on this planet. I know it was my pleasure to know this woman and how ever much time God gives me on this planet I will do my best to say "why not me?" instead of "why me" ... there are days I find it hard to think that way. I have some control issues and would prefer to tell God my plan versus wait for his, but here I am waking up every morning and trying again!

Today's Story was penned by Crystal J. Casavant

Crystal Casavant writes. Everything. If you follow her blog you have likely laid eyes on every thought she has ever had. Her debut novel, It Was Never About Me, Was It? is still a work in progress and shall be fully worthy sometime in 2025. She has written for WOW! Women on Writing, Bring on Lemons, and has been featured in several magazines and ezines relating to credit and collections as well as religious collections for confessional Lutherans. She runs a busy household full of intelligent, recalcitrant, and delightful humans who give her breath and keep her heart beating day after day. 

Crystal wears many hats (and not just the one in this photo) and fully believes in being in the moment and doing everything she can to improve the lives of those around her! The world may never know her name, but she prays that because of her, someone may smile a little brighter. She prides herself on doing nice things - yes, even for strangers! 

May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and may you always remember the world is a better place with you in it and it's always a great time to praise God for the amazing people in our lives!

xoxoxox

Crystal