Labor Day Weekend

OneAccord · #1 09-03-2008, 05:57 PM

As I mentioned on another thread, I was planning to visit my hometown of Jeffersonville, IN this past weeked. But, as the weekend drew closer, I realized I had too much to do so I cancelled my trip. All that week, however, I found myself thinking about Mrs. Betty Headrick who, when I was a kid, was like a second mom to me. Until 2 years ago, I hadn't seen Betty in over 30 years, but I never forgot how good she was to a snot nosed kid like me.

So, I cancelled my trip and opted to stay home to mow my grass. Just as I finished mowing Saturday afternoon, I got a call from another friend in Indiana informing me that Betty, who was probably close to 90, was not expected to live thru the weekend. So, I stopped what I was doing, got ready and headed for Indiana.

I got there late Saturday night, and Sunday, I spent the day at the Headrick house, seeing "kids" I went to school with- some of which I hadn't seen since the 60's. And I sat with Mrs. Headrick, holding her hand, telling her how grateful I was for her kindness to me when I was probably a big nusiance. This isn't what you would call a Christian home- the "kids" I grew up with turned out to be, well... lets just say the word Christian doesn't seem to apply. Drugs and booze was the road they took in life, while, thanks to God, I was shown a better way of Life. While there, I washed dishes, helped straighten the house so the kids could spend as much time as they could with their mother, and did whatever I could do to be of help.

They cried. Jerry, Bill, Butch and all the sisters cried seeing me wash the dishes. They said they couldn't believe a man, who some couldn't even remember, only heard about, would drive 5 hours to wash their "mommas dishes". I told them, "Well, I was just thinking about all the times that I ate at your supper table and your momma washed MY dirty dishes. Its time for me to return the favor." I told them thats what Christians do. They help those who need help...mourn with those who mourn.

I went back and stayed with them Monday, til I had to make the long trip home. Before I left, they asked me to pray. I prayed for their momma, for her healing, but moreso for her soul. And for theirs.... I prayed that they would one day find the Blessed Assurance of knowing they are right in their hearts with God.

I got word this morning that Mrs. Betty Headrick died at 4:30 am this morning.

AmazingGrace · #2 09-03-2008, 06:00 PM

Such a sad but touching story... what a blessing that you were able to be there for the family at this time and to minister to them...

Blubayou · #3 09-03-2008, 06:19 PM

What a lovely way to give back. I am sure you were a blessing and a witness to this family.

Rhoni · #4 09-03-2008, 06:21 PM

OneAccord,

There is no one who can minister better than someone who has went through similar circumstance. You will never regret your trip this past weekend.

Blessings, Rhoni

OnTheFritz · #5 09-03-2008, 06:32 PM

Very touching story. Glad you were able to be there for them.

So now there's another thing we have in common besides quizzing. I am from Jeffersonville, IN as well. Both my parents grew up there and met in high school. The first house I remember was on Meigs Ave near the courthouse. We moved to Indy when I was 6, but many family members still live there. Small world.

OneAccord · #6 09-03-2008, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DerrickS

Very touching story. Glad you were able to be there for them.

So now there's another thing we have in common besides quizzing. I am from Jeffersonville, IN as well. Both my parents grew up there and met in high school. The first house I remember was on Meigs Ave near the courthouse. We moved to Indy when I was 6, but many family members still live there. Small world.

Small indeed. I actually lived in Borden, but my Grandmothers lived in Jeff. My mothers mother lived on Hamburg Pike near Walnut Ridge Cemetary, and my dads mother lived on Graham, Street, a couple of blocks from Branham Tabernacle. I still have cousins there though I didn't get to go see them this time.

OnTheFritz · #7 09-03-2008, 06:49 PM

Wow. My grandmas are bound to know some of your family. They seem to know everyone.

. My grandfather is actually buried in Walnut Ridge Cemetary. I know the area well. If you feel like PM'ing me some family names, I'd love to cross-reference. If not, that's cool too.

Scott Hutchinson · #8 09-03-2008, 06:51 PM

Ok where are the tissues ? Very touching story.