Tuesday, June 29, 2010

God's Tranquility

The closer we got to California, the worse the traffic was. It was stop-n-go for three more hours, but Thank God we had a dependable car now. Poor, sweet, Merryck had been strapped in his sweaty car seat for eight hours. He was hot, cranky and inconsolable. I said another prayer for him and God quickly rocked him to sleep.

We then went to work finding the exit to our motel. California highways are extremely confusing, so it took all three adult's eyes to keep a close watch so that we didn't go the wrong way. We made it! Amen! Pride washed over our exhausted bodies as we pulled into the hotel parking lot.

As Ace got all the passengers out, Michelle went inside to check us in. We all gathered in the lobby and fidgeted while we waited for our room key.

Heading to our room, Ace commented on the events of the day and then exclaimed, "The day couldn't have gone worse!" As Michelle opened the door, she piped in, "Well, we could have ended up in the hospital."

They sat the baby on the bed with his brother, with all that pent up energy they had been holding in, they began wrestling with each other and the baby fell off the bed. Running to him, his parents said in synchronicity, "We spoke too soon." They scooped Merryck up, soothed him and proceeded to check him over. He was more scared than anything, but just in case, I asked them to bring him to me so I could lay hands on him and pray. As I prayed, to his parents amazement, tranquility came over him again...

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
Luke 8:25

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Monday, June 28, 2010

Gods Provision

We got back on the freeway, watching the temperature gauge, and the car seemed to be doing fine. After a while we were enjoying each other's company, until we reached the hot, dry, Nevada dessert called Las Vegas. Suddenly twenty miles from the Vegas exit, the car started slowing and the temperature gauge rose to the top in seconds.

We turned off the air conditioning, rolled down the windows and pulled to the side of the road, which made the car unbearably hot. This caused the baby to explode into wails of anger, causing more frustratation. He wanted a bottle to help cool off. Praise the Lord we had packed water and Michelle went to work making a bottle for him.

Ace jumped out of the car, following the instructions he had been given just hours before, by our angel, on how to cool the car down. Meanwhile, I prayed boisterously. I was not sure what was going to happen, but I knew God was in control, so I just laid the situation at his feet.

About a half an hour passed before the car cooled enough to attempt to get it back on the road and be able drive it off that oven of a highway.

As we drove I laid hands on the dashboard and prayed even more loudly. This calmed the children, maybe they were trying to figure out what I was doing, but I believe they felt 'The Spirit of God' in that vehicle, causing tranquility. Eventually we made it to a gas station/casino, hopped out of the car, quickly went inside to escape the heat and figure out what we were going to do? The diagnosis we recieved on the car was the head gasket blew.

We wanted to get a rental car and continue on our way. Ace and Michelle have a credit card, but it's the prepaid kind. Problem? In Vegas/Sin City/Land of the World's Biggest Con-men?! YES! OF COURSE!! All the car rental services were afraid of never seeing the vehicle again after our $300 down payment. We were stranded! The question came again, "Why is this happening? We're just trying to have a nice time!"

Trusting God, I prayed for a solution, and kept the kids wrangled, while the other two adults called friends and family for help. An hour later God answered my prayer, Michelle's friend had made arrangements on his credit card for a car we could use for the extent of our trip until we returned to Vegas. For now we vowed to enjoy our plans and worry how to get home later.

Relief flowed over us when we reached the freeway headed for California. I said, "I know you think that God doesn't want us to have fun. It's not that. If things were going perfect, would we be talking to Him. No! With the inconveniences that have occurred, we've had to depend on and include Him! That's what He wants!"...

Command those who are rich in the world not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 1:17

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Friday, June 25, 2010

God's Invitation-

Allow me to take a side trip today and share the wonderful privilege God gave me to plant seeds of faith on my vacation.

I went to California with my son, Ace, his fiancee, Michelle, my six year old grandson, Colby and my ten month old grandson, Merryck. We were stuffed in a cramped four door vehicle for over 1400 miles, round-trip. Ace was raised by me and Aunt Glory. We took him to church every Sunday, at eight he accepted Jesus as his saviour, but over the years and through many (awful in his eyes) circumstances his faith has been shaken. Michelle is a professed Jack-Mormon. What that means is, a Mormon who does not go to church, doesn't practice their beliefs, but for her family's happiness claims Mormonism as her religion. So Colby and Little Man Merryck have never been to church. Fertile ground!

There is never a good excuse not to pray, but because we left at 3:30 in the morning, I was to tired and excited to remember to do so, plus I had prayed myself to sleep (which I believe saved us).

About an hour passed when the engine started to over-heat. At the next exit we left the freeway, drove to a gas station to check out the car and see if we were going any further or heading home. Ace popped the hood. Spewing and bubbling from the radiator was a mixture of hot coolant and water. While it cooled down enough to open, Michelle went inside to buy more. Just as she entered an angel disguised as a truck driver passed the vehicle and asked if he could help. Gladly Ace agreed (he has little car repair experience) allowing this awesome man to take over and do the work needed to cool the engine. When Michelle returned, he had already used his coolant in the radiator. Then he gave them both a quick lesson on what to do if it were to happen again, and disappeared into the sunrise.

Ace and Michelle got back in the car, he turned to her and doubtingly said, "Why does all this have to happen to us? Why didn't we invite God on our trip?' Without missing a beat Michelle answered, "We did! Your mom's here." I laughed, but then had everyone hold hands, bow heads, and pray. We thanked God for the insight to stop when and where we did, a safe, fun trip and thanked Him for not leaving or forsaking us...

God said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Rolling Along

Merrym loved college. But she didn't tell you how hard it was for her to get to and from college. She would leave her house, rolling three blocks to the bus stop, get on the bus and ride to the campus. Once at college she would roll to whatever class she had that day. This campus is at the foot of a mountain. Every where she went was either up-hill or down-hill. She had an electric wheelchair part of the time, but much of the time Merrym would roll herself where she needed to go in a standard wheelchair.

Merrym's way of rolling in her chair is not the way other people do. She rolls backwards, using her good leg to move the chair along. As you can imagine this causes many problems. She bumps into all kinds of things,including people and has to turn her head around to see where she is going. This is not a comfortable way to steer a wheel chair. One thing I do know is, Merrym gets where she wants to go!

You might think that with all the snow we get here in Utah, especially in the foothills, that Merrym might get discouraged. But if you know her, you know it only slowed her down a little. Merrym would push her chair through snow, rain, wind and hail. She very seldom missed a class.

Heat was probably more of a problem for her than anything. She gets warmer than other people. Merrym uses a spray bottle to keep herself cool. She also went through several little hand-held fans.

Merrym is a very determined person. She doesn't let things stop her. She might get discouraged at first, but before you know it she has accomplished whatever task is set before her.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy.
Acts 20:24a

Love Mother Hen Glory
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Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Angel of Death part III The New International Version

As time progressed 'The Angel of Death" (which I called Doc) and I came to appreciate each other more and more. When the semester ended and I got my grades, I braced myself for the usual C+ that he always issued. I opened the envelope, pulled the paper out ever so slowly, closed my eye's and unfolded it. I squinted first with one eye, then the other, peeking at the sheet before me. Immediately, I had to steady myself, blinked and rubbed my eye's in disbelief. There next to Statistics 101 was a B +. "WHAT?! A WHAT?! A B+?! But Doc never gives a grade higher than a C+? Wow! Whoopie! Wait this has to be a mistake?!", I muttered aloud. Without a second thought, I grabbed the phone and dialed his extension. He answered on the first ring and said without interruption from me, "Merrym? Is this you? I was waiting for your call. Yes, you earned a B+. You went above and beyond any other student I've ever taught in my 35 year career as a professor. Enjoy your break. I'll see you next semester in the halls. Goodbye." Automatically, there was a click and then the dial tone ushered forth. I sat there amazed with a grin the size of Rhode Island.

After gaining my confidence, at the beginning of each school day I visited professors who had become my favorites. What I'd do was go to their individual office and; tell a joke; give them a quick "Good morning!" with a mischievous smile; pull a prank; or just hang out. The next semester was no different, except to his amazement, I added 'Doc' to my list. For one, to get to his office you had to make your way through a maze of halls and unmarked doors. Meaning he was never bothered by anyone, colleagues included. Two, no one liked him enough or, they were too scared of him to go any where near his office.

The first day this occurred, I had brought with me a sticky hand. The kind you get in gumball machines. They're long and slimy in consistency and I had bought many, until I had got a green one. I rolled in his office with it covered up in my hands, said "Hi Doc! How's it going?", sneezed while covering my mouth with my hands, then tossed the toy at him. His reaction was the one I was going for. He jerked back with a look of abject horror on his face, realized it for what it was, A PRANK and with a growing smile told me to get out of his office.

Awe! Total and complete satisfaction. He had just been initiated into the school of 'Merrym's Pranks.'

From that day on he got 'a wake up call' from me, if he was in his office. On the few days he hadn't seen me, he would follow the sound of my voice (it was said you could hear me from one end of the building to the other), find me just to say a fast "Hi Merrym!", smile and leave as quickly as he came.

I even gave him an invitation to my graduation to which he said, "Thanks! But I NEVER go to graduation ceremonies." He was true to his word and didn't show.

A year went by, after which my son, Ace and I went to visit my professor friends. He heard my voice (of course) in the hall immediately he came, gave me a bear-hug and said, "I miss you Merrym and your wicked sense of humor! I think of you every morning and smile." As Ace and I left him, I said "That was 'The Angel of Death' you've heard some horror stories about." Ace wouldn't believe me, LOL.

As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart.
1 Samuel 10:9

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Friday, June 18, 2010

Child-like Faith



For many days, God has put this on my heart to share. So I want to let you know how I get through my days.
It's the child-like faith spoke of in
Mark 10:15-
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.

      I never truly understood this concept until my first grandchild was born, then it became clear. Children ought to be our examples, for instance;
      • As a child we depend on your parents for everything, ie. food, shelter, comfort.
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
Mark 10:15
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The Angel of Death part II The Revised Standard Version

As the semester progressed 'The Angel of Death' had this trick of separating the class into three categories; Dumb, Dumber and Duh? What he would do is tell jokes that were truly above most people's heads and then wait for a response of some kind like; 'I think I get it' giggle; 'I'm going to pretend I get it', nervous snicker; to a full blown 'Duh?' look. Every time he did this I would chortle loudly, which caused a quick glance at me to see if I really understood. I did, which caused a look of surprise to take over his face with a slight smile and he sent an acknowledging bow of 'Awe!' my way. God was slowly winning him over.

A couple weeks later, on a Friday, was our second test. It was available to take for one day and one day only. On that day I just so happened to wake up with a fever, chills and vomiting. "Holy Cow!" was all I could think. I quickly dialed his extension at school to let him decide if I could wait until the next day to take the test. The secretary answered and I ask for the professor. Recognizing my voice she said, "Merrym, I'm sorry. He's out of town until Monday. Can I take a message?" A quick, "No." was issued. While hanging up, another 'Holy Cow!' spewed from my mouth. I got ready, bundling up to drag my butt to school and fulfill my obligation.

As I took the test, each time I started to answer a question I would have to puke. So I'd throw down my pencil and head to the bathroom as fast as my wheels would roll. In the end I answered all the questions with a tiny, nondescript, answer. After which I gave up and went home to bed.

Monday came and I headed to class preparing myself for the embarrassment of a bad grade. As the professor grandly pulled out the stack of tests, he said, "Merrym, the secretary says you were trying to get a hold of me on Friday. What did you need?" In a matter-of fact tone, I informed him of what had happened and then waited for my test. The professor proceeded to do his torture act of announcing each grade aloud, while waving the paper above each students head. I waited and waited for my dose of humiliation, but it never came.

When he finished passing out all the other tests, he asked me to meet him outside the door. As I followed him my mind went racing for what I thought he was about to say; "Give up! You don't belong in college."

To my amazement, he pulled me to a corner and showed me my grade (A BIG FAT F). He quietly informed me I couldn't take the test again (No shock there!). He added how he appreciated that I tried taking the test in my condition. Also that he liked the fact that just because I was disabled I didn't try to receive special treatment and he'd figure out some kind of makeup work I could do to compensate for the bad grade. "What?! He never allows that!?", I said to myself.

In shock I hugged and thanked him without a second thought. As I pulled away quickly I saw his face change from astonishment to a real true smile.

I believe God changed him a little more that day. Thank you once again Lord!

The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will be changed into a different person.
1 Samuel 10:6

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

P.S.
On June 19, 2010 it will be 20 years to the day that the blessed/tragedy changed my life forever. My kids and I are celebrating my life by going on vacation to Disneyland and Legoland. While I'm gone I've written some posts for you. Due to popular demand when I get back I will start posting 5 days a week
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Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Angel of Death, part I

I have many good memories of college. I'd like to share my favorite, which will take more than one post. It's a life changing story, that I hope you will enjoy .

There is a particular professor known all over Weber State University campus as 'The Angel of Death'. He got this reputation because; he never gave a grade higher than a C+; he embarrassed his students by announcing grades,good and bad (especially bad) in front of the other students; his tests were written with the soul purpose that the test-taker could and would get confused, most likely answering the questions wrong; he never gave chances for makeup work; and the only time he smiled was when he was verbally torturing someone (a student was his favorite, but anyone would do). No one liked him, even the other professors avoided him.

One semester I had to take statistics 101, so the next semester I could finish up my statistic requirement and graduate on time. It just so happened that only one stat-class was offered then. Guess who the professor for that particular semester was? Your right 'The Angel of Death', lucky me!

On the first day of class I had to ask for a volunteer to take my notes. As I spoke, I glanced in his direction. He was rolling his eye's and mimicking me. I was upset, but just sat there in shock until class was over. I had been prepared for a mean man, but I hadn't realized what a jerk he truly was.

I suffered through the first week with the other students, and on Friday, smiling devilishly, he sprung on us that the first test would be on Monday. The students became panicked and decided on an impromptu study session at the end of class that day.

As we studied, the commiserating started. One girl told me how sorry she was about the way the professor treated me. She had confronted him about his actions and he said. "Those people, the disabled don't belong in this setting. There is NO place for their kind at college!" Little did he know her sister was disabled and she was extremely offended.

When I heard this, I set my mind on proving him wrong.

Test day came and I took my test in the disability office. This is a special setting where people of all disabilities, from being blind, deaf or people in wheelchairs, to people with learning disabilities, can take a tests, study and even get tutored while not bothering anyone else.

The next day, after taking my test, the professor confronted me nose-to-nose in front of the class. Loudly he said, "Where did you take your test?" I answered, "In the disability office." He said, "I beg your pardon? I gave a test to that office and received it back blank. Then when I picked up the test from the testing-center and I found one with your name on it. You took your test there." Irritated I answered him calmly with, "Excuse me? MY BUTT IS IN THIS CHAIR, NOT MY HEAD! Don't tell me what I've done and haven't. Maybe the disabilities office got confused, but I know who, how, where and when I've done something, so get off my back!"

He stood stunned in front of a whole class of snickering students, realizing disabled people are humans with feelings and intelligence...

He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He said, "Get these out of my Fathers house!"
John 2:15 & 16

I am blessed
Merym Dawn Mathis Bruce

P.S. From now on there will only be 3 posts a week. Thank you.
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Back to School Back to School to Prove to God I Ain't No Fool

When my children entered junior high school, I felt they were self-sufficient and old enough to be on their own for short amounts of time. I was also feeling like my life wasn't worth much to the world around me. I wanted to contribute to my community and make my life matter in some respect.

So I returned to college. At first I got tired very easily so I only took two courses,, but eventually I took a full load.

I was very self-conscious back then and I would hide in the back of the class, but God dropped a good icebreaker in my lap (literally, LOL). My dexterity was not so hot and my writing was just a bunch of scribbles, so I needed help taking notes. There was no way I would be allowed to wear shyness as a disguise.

On the first day of every class, during my college career, the professor would introduce himself/herself. Immediately I had to raise my hand and ask the class for volunteers, who would allow me to get a copy of their notes. God always provided. Amen! These people quickly became friends. They realized that just because my speech was slurred and my movements were erratic, didn't mean I wasn't intelligent. The more people got to know me, the more I was accepted, which caused a growth in my boldness.

In the beginning I spoke almost in a whisper, trying at any cost to avoid professors and what I thought was their smug attitudes of: 'I'm better than you.' 'I'm the only one who knows anything.' As my confidence grew, I became the same old outspoken Merrym, who talked to everyone, especially the professors. I treated them as friends and that's how I was treated.

Eventually, other students recognized the great relationships I had with my professors and they asked my secret. My reply came spilling from memory, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." I was proof it worked!

Do to others what you would have them do to you.
Matthew 7:12

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Monday, June 14, 2010

Let It Snow Let It Blow OH NO!

The place I owned, where Merrym lived next to me, was in the mouth of a canyon and on a dead-end street. The wind there was horrific in the winter, but nice in the summer. When it snowed the wind would blow so hard at times that it caused the snow to form drifts. I remember a drift one year that was as high as the house.

One weekend in January, as we took Courtney and Asab to their dad's, it was snowing a lot, but by the time we got home it was a blizzard. I got Merrym into her house and settled. I went home, thinking that by the next morning the storm would ease up. Boy was I wrong!

The snow was about two feet deep , it was still snowing and blowing. I called Merrym to make sure she was OK. She was doing good, but I felt I needed to see that she was OK, so I started digging a path from my house to her house. It took me about two hours (remember I only lived 40 feet from her). As I dug, the path seemed to be filling in faster than I could shovel.

By Saturday evening we realized we wouldn't be going to church the next day. I decided that I would stay at Merrym's that night. We watched TV and caught every update about the weather that we could find. The bad news was that the storm would be with us through Sunday and could possibly stop sometime on Monday. The snowplows were working hard to keep the drifts off the highway. But we were forgotten on our little street.

I was getting very worried. What if for some reason Merrym needed to get to the hospital?!

I tried to keep our spirits up. By Sunday afternoon the snow was so high, the 6 foot chain-link fence in front of our house was no longer visible. I looked out the window at the side of the house and realized my car was buried. I opened the front door and the snow was up to my waist. This side of the house was on the side away from the wind. I would have to stand on a chair to get on top of the snow to get out and our shovels were buried. We had a problem!

Merrym called one of her friends. Her husband and son parked out on the highway and literally walked over the fence to get to the house. They had brought shovels and they started digging. They finally cleared the door and the sidewalk area. They were able to get the snow away from the back door also. As they left us, walking back over the fence, our hearts sank. We felt so alone and isolated from the world.

Monday morning we listened to a special channel that lets everyone know if there is school. I was relieved to hear that they had canceled school in my district. Merrym and I went back to playing games, but we were about gamed out. By this time even the highway was blocked by snow and there was no traffic going by. Would this nightmare ever end?!

Around noon the snow stopped and the wind died down also. We saw huge backhoes digging through the snow on the highway. After about five hours the traffic was finally flowing again, but we were still blocked in.

Suddenly we saw my brother-in-law coming on his tractor from the south and a neighbor, who lived a road above us, coming on his tractor from the north (add movie music, the theme from 'Star Wars'). They started digging us out. My car had a 30 foot long drift in front of it. After several hours they had us dug out. Thank God we were not forgotten.

For the needy shall not always be forgotten.
Psalm 9:18

Love, Mother Hen Glory
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Saturday, June 12, 2010

Blooming

I wanted to share a story of my recovery that I had forgotten.

It was a summer morning in July. You would have never known any differences in the weather, looking through those cataracts called hospital windows, in my secure fortress of a room.

My mother came excitedly, bouncing in the door, like popcorn on a hot griddle. I was happy to see her, but filled with anxiety, because of the days plans. I was to go outside for the first time after four months of fighting for my life and winning.

In walked that Judas of a nurse that was to perform the task at hand, covering me with a warmed blanket, so the afternoon breeze would not cause a chill. How dare she betray me that way?

With my mother on one side of the gurney and "Judas" on the other, they pushed down the hall towards that all to cheerful, shining exit. My heart was pounding, like the 'Boom" of a timpani drum. I didn't want to leave those walls of my safe haven.

As the doors slide open and I was thrust into the abyss of a cruel world that was waiting just beyond them, I was blinded by the most brilliant light. As my eye's adjusted, I felt the surrounding warmth of the sun reaching to my soul.

When I finally saw where I was my senses became overwhelmed, then slowly regulated themselves. Pink, purple, blue, red, green, orange, yellow, flowers and they were the most radiant, beautiful I had seen.

Suddenly I was blooming like the garden around me! I was opening up and felt alive for the first time in quite a while!

Sometime later the wonderful, sweet nurse who had helped me outside informed me it was time to go back to that prison cell called room #326. With my eye's I pleaded for a few more minutes, which was graciously afforded to me.

As I was taken back to my room, a smile grew on my face, while I prayed, "Thank You Lord, for sparing me. Allow me to be Your instrument in whatever form You choose."

Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life.
Genesis 19:19

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Friday, June 11, 2010

A God-thing

Peg was still coaching the same cheer leading squad and had a practice the next day. She invited me to come and help keep her daycare kids in tow. I accepted with little thought to what that entailed. It wasn't too bad of a job for an able-bodied person, but it was exhausting for me. I wanted Peg to concentrate, so I did my best to keep the daycare kids entertained. I made sure they didn't run off, and went on numerous bathroom runs (all those little bladders), which endeared them to me that much more. But I wondered how Peg did all this and got a decent practice done being by herself.

When we got back to Peg's she could see how worn out I was and reluctantly informed me there was cheer camp in two days. Seeing the question 'What?' on my face, she told me I could stay home. I said, "But I want to help with the kids!" So she quickly devised a plan. She would ask the parents of the six kids that were not needed at camp, if I could watch them at home. Explaining that I raised my own kids all by myself and that Robert would be right downstairs if needed.

Amazingly, all the parents agreed (I believe it was a 'God-thing'). That day Peg had everything ready from lunch to nap to snack and a list of parent phone numbers in case of emergency.

The day went well until lunch, when the frozen pizza I placed in the oven fell through the rack onto the burner. I hollered for Robert's help. 'Up, Up and Away' he came to the rescue. He remedied the situation and saved lunch. MY HERO!

The rest of the day was uneventful, and when Peg got home the kids told her what a blast the day had been. She patted me on the back, saying "I knew you could handle it with God's help and maybe a little bit of Robert's thrown in there."

As surely as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he did this today with God's help.
1 Samuel 14:45

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Thursday, June 10, 2010

The Bum Express

As I exited the plane I searched the crowd for a familiar face to connect with. There standing next to the terminal check-in was Peg's husband, my wonderful smiling brother-in-law, Jim.

He quickly greeted me with, "Hi Mer," and we were off to gather luggage and head home. On the way, we exchanged stories, mine of the man that sat next to me and his of why Peg hadn't picked me up. She was running a daycare in her home at the time. She couldn't bring 13 children to the airport and try to keep track of them all. I agreed, "I understand completely." As we traveled he also explained, "While you visit, you get a two-for-one at Peg's. Robert lives in her basement, so you'll have Peg upstairs and your brother downstairs."

I was thinking how cool that was when we pulled into the driveway and it hit me that, the house was a split-level! Panic took over for a minute while I tried to figure out how I was going to manage the stairs. God said "Take the 'bum-express,' Mer." "What the heck is the 'bum-express,' God?" He answered, "Sit on the stairs and push yourself up them or slide down them, depending on the way you want to travel."

Doubtingly, I obeyed and as the daycare kids saw this I was immediately one of them, without even knowing their names. No swearing in ceremony or nothing (LOL). I had done what they did daily, which broke the ice and gave us a connection. Automatically I was Auntie Mer to each and every one of them.

About 20 minutes later, after the meet and greet, parents started to arrive to take their children home. It was amazing, Peg did not have to introduce me once. As each child's parent entered the house, their individual child would run over, grab them and drag them hand-in-hand to meet Auntie Mer. Then laughing they told the story of how I got up the stairs. The way the kids had accepted me made quite an impression on the adults...

...For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.
Genesis 33:10

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

God's Plan

I was the first passenger to board the plane. What all airlines do is board passengers who are disabled, older or any children, first. The idea being, there will be no one to get in the way if there are any difficulties. While all the other passengers boarded I received my usual scowls, 'I'm not looking at you' thing, rubber necking (double takes) and some very snotty comments under their breathe, like; "Who is she anyway?" "Why does she get to board first?" "You're not so important!" Trying to keep back a fountain of tears, I doubted going away that much more.

Then the man who was to sit next to me arrived. He was extremely rude while stowing his overhead luggage. He plowed past my unbending leg, causing me pain. It hurt enough for me to uncontrollably, whimper, which brought forth the rolling of his eye's, a shaking back-n-forth of his head, and a "JEEZ!" gushed forth from his angry, pursed, lips. Now my doubt of going on this trip escalated to a drastic point. I wanted off the plane NOW, but knew it was not happening.

I couldn't stop the tears running down my face as the plane taxied to the runway and took off. Glancing at me, the man's countenance changed. He comforted me and patted my back, saying, "I'm sorry for being a jerk. There is no excuse for the way I acted. Please forgive me?!" He signaled the stewardess and asked her to bring me a drink of water.

A while later, after I was calm, we started talking and through my garbled, emotional, speech I told him my story. He listened intently, only interrupting for a question here-or-there.

When the plane touched down, instead of rushing off like all the other passengers, he stayed with me until it was time for me to exit. As he slowly and very methodically squeezed past me, he said, "Merrym, I'm so glad I got the privilege of sitting next to you. When I boarded, my whole intention was to ignore the person sitting by me. But I'm extremely glad and blessed that I didn't. You have opened my eye's to disabled people and their plight. I'm humbled by you and your beautiful story. Thank you for sharing What God has done in your life. I'LL NEVER BE THE SAME!" He then exited and I no longer doubted, if this trip was God's plan...

For I know the plans I have for you.
Jeremiah 29:11

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Monday, June 7, 2010

Linus minus Glory

I remember my first trip alone after becoming different-abled, which was an awesome learning experience.

As most of you know by now, I'm divorced. Like most divorced couples during the summer, the children visit the non-custodial parent for about half the summer. Naturally my children fell into that category, meaning my children spent six weeks at their father's house.

I hesitantly seized the opportunity to visit Peg, Robert, Ann and some old friends in Washington state for a week.

On the way to the airport I became excited, yet anxious for my adventure and told Glory I wasn't sure I wanted to go. She reassured me I'd be alright and said, "Just let loose, have some fun, and don't worry about the kids."

Little did she know it wasn't the kids I was worried about, it was all these questions running through my mind; "Can I do this alone?", "Will someone be at the airport to meet me?", "If no one's there what am I going to do?", "Am I going to have health problems while I'm gone?", "If I do get sick, will any medical people know what to do for me? After all, the doctor's who deal with me on a regular basis don't even have a clue what to do.", "Will I be OK?", "Can I go a whole week without my security blanket (Glory)?"

The answer I received was a calm; "Merrym trust Me. This is just another tiny step in the right direction. "

Reluctantly, trying my hardest to trust God, I rolled down the gate and onto the plane. This was a huge accomplishment. I was learning to Let Go and Let God!...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Proverbs 3:5

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Friday, June 4, 2010

Someone Upstairs Really Likes You

That trip to Idaho is also etched in my mind. Let me fill in the blanks.

It was Thanksgiving. I had made my favorite shrimp salad and couldn't wait to have some. As Glory and I headed to Idaho, I started feeling run down, had cold chills, and was becoming nauseated (No! The salad). I tried to ignore this and didn't tell Glory, because I didn't want to ruin her visit with her daughter. Obviously, it was very apparent because Glory kept asking, "What's wrong? Do you feel OK?" I reassured her I was fine.

I fitfully slept the night before Thanksgiving, trying not to wake anyone else. In the morning I told Glory that I knew I had an infection, but I was sure I'd be OK and wanted to stay for dinner. As the day progressed my condition deteriorated to the point that I didn't even feel well enough to try and eat anything, let alone the salad I'd been dreaming of for weeks.

Mother Hen, Glory, insisted we go to the closest hospital, so I could start antibiotics. At that point I was to weak to argue, so off we went.

When we got to the rural hospital, it was deserted except three staff members. Immediately we were escorted to one of their three, tiny, ER rooms. I was told to undress and when I was ready for the doctor to just give a shout.

Entering, I got the usual reaction, the doctor's jaw dropped to the ground. This was before he got all the way in the room. He then asked me and Glory what they did to remedy this at our home hospital. We explained the IV process of pumping antibiotics in my veins and how they always sent me home with oral antibiotics. So they proceeded to follow the instructions exactly and I perked up a little. It was extremely late when they finished and they told us I should be OK, but if my condition kept deteriorating to get to my home hospital where they knew me and my condition.

With the reassurance that I would feel better in the morning, we headed back to Audria's house to get some sleep before heading home. Just our luck. we got little to no sleep. It was three or so in the morning and I was quickly going downhill. As fast as possible Glory threw our things in the car and made a make-shift bed for me.

I was in and out of consciousness all the way home, so I remember bits and pieces from then on. I do remember looking backwards through the window and seeing a cop, but I figured it was a delusion.

Next thing I clearly remember is being in the Ogden, Utah, emergency room and a doctor saying, "Your one lucky soul by making it here when you did. You were approximately five minutes from death. Someone upstairs really likes you." As I drifted back out of consciousness I thought,' Of course Someone likes me. He loves me. He's my protection. Thank you God.'

He has granted us new life, and He has given us a wall of protection.
Ezra 9:9

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Thursday, June 3, 2010

Fun X 2!

I didn't want Merrym and the kids to miss out on everything, SO I said, "Why don't we go camping?!" They were so excited, they couldn't contain themselves. We made all the plans and preparations. Finally we were ready to leave. One of Asab's friends was going with us. All I had was a tent, but we had it figured out.

There is a camping place in Ogden Canyon, called 'Perception Park'. It is designed for people in wheelchairs (whoever came up with this idea, 'BIG PAT ON THE BACK!'). We got the best camping spot. It was like a cave of trees. We wouldn't get too hot. Which is great, because Merrym overheats easily and if you know Utah in the middle of August, it's an oven. The parking place was on pavement, so it was easy to get Merrym out of the vehicle and wheel her into the solid, flat, dirt camping area, which was on the same level as the parking. The bathroom was only about 30 or 40 feet from us.

The boys got busy setting up the tent. Courtney, Merrym and I got everything else organized. We cooked hobo dinners over the campfire, roasted marshmallows and made smores. We were really doing it. The kids would run and play. Merrym and I listened to a book on tape. We played games with the kids that night. Then it was time for the hard part, "sleeping". It was planned that Merrym would sleep in the car, pushing the seat back and covering up with a sleeping bag. The rest of us slept in the tent. We were close enough to hear if she called us. It really worked out good. I didn't get much sleep because Merrym had to go to the bathroom a lot and it was quite a process getting her there. Merrym had brought her walker and since the bathroom was so close, we walked side-by-side, so I could steady her.

We started laughing when we realized what the other campers were hearing and probably imagining. Walker to pavement sounded like, the skip-drag, skip-drag,of horror movies. You know when the mass murderer is on the loose. Then the insane giggling, which caused even louder, crazier laughter.

In the morning as we had breakfast and packed, each time Merrym and I looked at one another, we began giggling all over. When this happened the kids would give us the "You're such crazy adults' look, bringing forth more laughter. We enjoyed a 'normal' activity and had a really fun time!

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Love, Mother Hen Glory
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Driving Miss Merrym

Today, as I have been getting ready to go on a week vacation I thought back over the previous years since I have been helping Merrym. Leaving Merrym for a week makes me nervous. Now, it is easier than it used to be. Now she has a CNA, who comes 6 days a week to help her shower, she has a personal assistant, who comes 3 times a week to clean her apartment, she has a nurse, who checks in once in a while, and Meals on Wheels comes 5 times a week. Since she lives in an apartment unit designed for physically and mentally challenged people, even her landlady checks in on her. She has a switch in her apartment and a medallion around to call for help when needed.

She also has friends, who call her or visit her regularly. Her children are adults and I trust they will check in on her (in fact I have let different people know to check on her). My sister, Peggy, is on the phone with Merrym daily, actually several times most days. I feel pretty secure going on a trip now, but.......

There was a time when I would try to find someone, who would stay with Merrym when I was going to be gone. When Merrym was first ill I didn't go on vacation, because I was so concerned. When I did go somewhere it was my oldest daughter's home in Idaho and my younger daughter's home in California. Before I could leave, I would have to make sure that Merrym had all the groceries she needed, that she had every one's numbers, and that the kid's knew they had better be good.

A few times I took Merrym and the kids with me to Idaho. There was one time that really stands out in my mind. The kids were with their dad for a long weekend, it may have been Thanksgiving (I can't remember), so Merrym and I decided to visit my daughter. She lived in Filer, Idaho at the time (about 20 minutes from Twin Falls). We had visited for a couple of days and were having a good time. Merrym started feeling like she might have an infection and believe me she knows her body. I took her temperature and it was high. I slept by her that night, checking her continuously. I was getting scared, because her temperature wouldn't go down. I got up early the next morning and we left in a hurry.

I had put blankets in the floorboard of the back seat, making Merrym a bed. My foot was heavy on the gas. We had only got as far as Twin Falls, when flashing lights began blinking behind me. I pulled over. As the police officer walked up the side of the car, I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. As I handed him my license, I broke into sobs, explaining to him about my sister. I said, "I am taking her straight to the hospital in Ogden, Utah, where they have her records." At first I saw the doubt on his face, until he looked in the back and saw a lifeless Merrym lying there. He quickly handed me my license and told me to drive safely. Leaving at the time we did was the right decision. Merrym was very sick. Thank God for his mercy and the mercy of the officer.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.
Psalm 33:18

Love, Mother Hen Glory
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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Analogy of A Wound

While we're on the subject of wounds I would like to make a comparison. I am comparing my leg to life in general. I hope you'll bare with me and see where God leads us.

My leg was diseased with the flesh-eating bacteria (Strep B). This caused rotting flesh that devoured any tissue that got in it's path, infecting everything it touched. The surgeons had to carefully remove the bad tissue as well as any good tissue surrounding the wound. This was an excruciatingly painful process! Then they had to harvest good tissue and transplant it to repair the damage. It had to be nursed to a healthier form.

Over the years new wounds would appear from daily use, unintended bumps and extreme, unexpected injuries. If these wounds were ignored or not taken care of by scraping, keeping them clean, and even pulling off the scabs, then they would fester, eroding away flesh, until there was an eruption of infected puss. It could then explode into a full-blown body infection causing a life or death situation. If it was cared for by a surgeon or others it could be healed. My leg will NEVER be the same again.

In life we get diseased by circumstances, offenses and misunderstandings. This can rot our minds, our souls and devour our lives, infecting everything it touches. If you allow Him, 'The Surgeon (God)', will carefully and slowly remove the bad tissue (bad influences, temptations, and mind tricks). This is excruciatingly painful! But He allows healthy tissue to be transplanted in its place. He sends someone (church, family, friends, etc.) to care and encourage you, causing healthy growth.

Over the years, new unintended and unexpected, wounds appear. We as humans try to ignore them. After all who wants to feel the pain, let alone look at it and clean up the mess? (Ouch!) So we end up with a festering, eroding, eruption of puss way down deep in our souls. This explodes into a full blown offense to our whole body. This can mean life or death. Once again if allowed 'The Surgeon' goes to work healing your life.

Please allow 'The Surgeon" into your life to remove your suffering. It's going to hurt as you go through the process, but it will be worth it in the end. You'll NEVER be the same.

As long as he has the infection he remains unclean.
Leviticus 13:46

I am blessed
Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Oh My Gaaauze!

Everything seemed to be going well with Merrym's healing process. Asab and Courtney loved watching the bed of sand. They would pull the edge of the sheet back so they could see the sand erupt into what seemed like a sand bubble. This would entertain them for quite a while.

Since I was staying at Merrym's, I deep-cleaned her house. The kids helped me move furniture and appliances. We cleaned every where we could think of. Of course the worst place to clean was Courtney and Asab's rooms. Since Merrym couldn't really get her wheelchair through the bedroom doors and couldn't check on the rooms, things were a disaster. But we had it really clean for any Christmas company.

Looking around, I was feeling proud of our accomplishments. I thought now we can just relax into a routine, when Merrym told me that her bandage had to be changed. I hadn't been there when they discharged her from the hospital, since the paramedics brought her home. No one had given me any instructions on when and how to change the bandage. Apparently on her fourth day home, it had to be changed. Why hadn't Merrym told me before this? Then I realized she didn't want me to stress until the time came.

It sounded pretty easy to do. Just take the bandage off and put a clean one on. The one on her stomach went smoothly, but on to the hip. I hadn't seen it yet. Merrym described it as looking like a small roast with staples. As I began to take the bandage off, I ran into a problem. The gauze was hooked onto the staples. I slowly worked the gauze from each staple prong and was ready to lift the bandage, but it wouldn't come off. I lifted the edge and realized the gauze was stuck to the flesh with dried blood. Tears began to come to my eyes. How would I ever get this off, without hurting Merrym or damaging the surgery?

The wound was about the size and shape of a cupped hand laying on her hip. I worked around the edges gently pulling the gauze from the blood. About a centimeter in I ran into more trouble. The blood was very thick and bonding the gauze to the main area. I really started crying then. "What am I going to do, Merrym? I'm afraid I'll cause damage, and you'll need to have surgery again."

An idea finally came to me. I called one of my best friends, who is a registered nurse. Through my tears I explained the problem to her. She had me get a cup of warm water and some cotton. She told me that wetting it a little would be OK. I dabbed the water onto the gauze and after a few minutes the blood softened. I was able to pull the gauze off and replace it with a clean bandage. My friend stayed on the phone with me until the process was finished. Thank you God for friends, who are there when you need them.

And it came to pass, when he made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.
I Samuel 18:1 & 3

Love, Mother Hen Glory
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