God Provides A Way

It was time for Merrym to leave the hospital after her amputation. All the family had gone home and here I was to face new challenges again. Merrym had been so positive in the hospital, but I knew this would change. Before the surgery, they had given her hope of having a prosthetic, but she had just found out this was not possible due to her delicate skin. I was also concerned because they had not given her physical therapy so she would know how to cope with her missing leg. The doctors seemed to think she didn't need any!

What were we going to do? I was taking Merrym to my house for several days while she had time to heal. We faced one big problem! I had two steps, with no railing, to get into my house. There was no one home to help get her in. As Merrym and I drove home, I explained my concern. We both started praying. When we pulled into the driveway, I stared at my garage door. I exclaimed, "I have an idea!" Next to the door that enters my living room from the garage is a metal bar that is part of the large door support. I got Merrym out of the car, rolled her into the garage and up to the steps as close as possible. She put her good leg on the bottom step and grabbed the bar with both hands. As she pulled to get her self to a standing position, I pushed her body to help her. Once she was standing and felt secure, I took the wheelchair around through the front door and as close to the steps as possible. Merrym then sat down and scooted back. Thank you God, we made it! (We still get her in my house this same way. )

After conquering the first problem, we were able to work out ways to get her in and out of the bathroom, get her bathed and move her around the house. Then came the time, as usual, to change the bandage on her stump. Again my fears of the unknown came rushing back. Could I do this? Looking at Merrym's face, I knew I had no choice. I changed the bandage with her instructions and all went well.

Depression set in almost the moment we got to my house. I was feeling depressed about Merrym's situation myself, so what was I going to say to help her? I grabbed the Bible, read it to Merrym and we prayed. This would help for a short time, then we would repeat the process. She slept a lot after she took her medication and this would give me time to regroup, clean and do things to keep the house in order.

After several days, Merrym was ready to go home and the adjustments started over. I stayed one night at her house, making sure her kids could take care of her. We talked on the phone many times each day and eventually Merrym could take care of herself with very little help.

Recently Merrym and I were discussing her amputation, I realized she didn't even remember coming to my house. I think God blocks some things from our memory for periods of time, so we can handle all that we have to face.

Then I would still have this consolation -- my joy in unrelenting pain --that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.
Job 6:10

Love, Mother Hen, Glory

Reality

When I finally went home and reality hit me I became extremely depressed.

I hadn't figured out how to do things for myself yet like

transferring

or going to the bathroom. I was angry at God for what I thought was 'Him picking on me'

once again

.

I was in excruciating pain that required very strong painkillers for any semblance of relief.

I gave up on life and just slept as much as possible. It was pretty easy with the help of my medicine, which knocked me out minutes after I took them.

One day while I was waiting for my medicinal oblivion to kick in I decided to ask God the question that loomed in my head anytime I was awake and aware enough to acknowledge 'the crappy life'

I thought

I had.

I angrily said once again, "Why me, God?! I asked for healing and I received this 'Crap'?! What are You doing to me?!"

His answer came calmly, giving me a feeling of total and complete peace: "Merrym, you asked for healing and I gave it to you. You've been healed 'MY WAY', which you may not understand now. Eventually you will use this also to bring glory to My Name."

For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and You have promised good things to Your servant.

2 Samuel 7:28

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

One Foot in Heaven

I have asked myself and God many times: "How much more can Merrym take?" When she got the infection before her amputation, this was one of those times I questioned God. I was praying she would not have to have an amputaion. Even though her little leg was not that attractive, it served its purpose. It gave her balance when she stood and she could walk with a walker.

When Merrym told me the doctors felt like she needed an amputation, she wanted my opinion. I was very angry with the doctors. I figured it was not their body and they really were trying to find the easiest way out. I tried to convince her that God could heal the infection and that she should wait. Later I was at the hospital when they took the bandages off and I realized how truly bad the infection was. There was a part of me that still wanted her to wait, but I knew it was not my decision and it could be,HER LIFE!

As Merrym said, a lot of the family came to be with her. We prayed and cried. Why Merrym again?! Why not one of us this time?! But Merrym always seems to have courage that is beyond understanding.

Merrym says our family handles everything with prayer and humor, but not all of us. There are times I know that Merrym is covering feelings and fears with humor. After all, I am there when everyone else goes home and reality sets in. I handle things with prayer and practicality. I am always planning ahead, trying to figure out if Merrym can still live on her own or does she need to move in with someone? etc. Fortunately, I eventually let God take over and take care of things and it all works out.

After the surgery, Courtney, Ace and I had to meet with the surgeon. He had the personality of a barracuda. He instantly said that Merrym needed to lose 100 pounds (Yes, Merrym had gained weight from inactivity over the years). We asked about counseling for her to adjust to her situation, but he acted like Merrym should just be able to accept this and go on as though nothing had happened. I was upset and so were the kids!

As we hesitantly went in to see her after talking to the doctor, we didn't know what to expect. The first words out of Merrym's mouth was: "I have one foot in heaven already!"

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Love, Mother Hen Glory

50% Off???

The next morning I awoke extremely happy to be in excruciating pain, because it meant I was still alive and my wonderful children would be there soon.

The Orthopedic Surgeon had removed the quarantine, so I quickly called Glory to let her know to tell everyone they were welcome to visit. Still drugged I faded into sleepy oblivion, until I was once again awoken to never ending giggling.

I slowly opened my eyes to a room full of smiling family members. When they saw my eyes flicker in recognition they all laughingly chimed in, "Stop pulling my leg!" This brought a grin to my face and an idea to my mind. I said, "Our family has always used God and humor to help us make it through everything. We can't stop now! I welcome any prayers and jokes you guys can come up with. While I slept God told me in a dream that we needed to keep our positive attitudes, because we would be a testimony of His power and a light to others who need Him."

Then I became really serious and everyone was on edge to find out what could be so important . I hesitated before asking, "Do you think when I go for a pedicure I can get half off?" Relief and a bit of frustration crossed their faces then it all melted into boisterous laughter...

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Same Crazy Merrym

When the weekend was over the Orthopedic Surgeon returned to get my decision on whether having my leg

amputated

was still the same. After he got the news that I hadn't changed my mind and in fact my choice was firmer than before he said, "OK, tomorrow we'll take your leg. Since I'm not sure if your infection is contagious, your surgery will need to be the last one of the day. This is so the Haz-Mat team will have all night to sterilize and dispose of things for the next day's surgeries."

I immediately called Glory to ask her to arrange for Ace to be at the hospital. Glory, being Glory, she went right to work doing so. She also called family and friends to let them know what was going on, so they'd know to pray.

The next morning she even made the hour and a half trip to get Ace from lock-up.

The day progressed and I did my best to stay awake and lucid, so I could spend what might be my last hours with my awesome, loving children. Anxiety overwhelmed me the later it became. I just wanted this over and done with, and to be able to 'wake up' to those two beautiful faces.

As I look back now I can see God's hand in h

aving the surgery late in the day. Everyone who wanted to be at the hospital to support me and my family was able to come, because it was after work hours.

At 8:35 pm the orderly came into my room to get me. But before he could wheel me down the hall, friends, family and church members joined hands, making a circle that was comprised of shoulder-to-shoulder people, up and down the hospital hall with me in the center. They prayed as I disappeared into the elevator. It was synonymous to what was happening in Heaven at that moment as angels surrounded and protected me.

When I awoke I was being pushed down the same hall, towards the horde of concerned 'angels', who were waiting for news of my progress and I started rejoicing. Happy, but still quite drugged and not knowing my volume, I began hollering, "Stop pulling my leg!" This changed the looks of worry to brilliant smiles and the joyous crowd said in a sing-song voice, "Same, crazy Merrym! Praise the Lord, she's fine!" and they quickly dispersed.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!

Phillippians 4:4

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

It's Your Leg Or Your Life!

At this frightening time in my life, my children were 16 and 17. As you know by now they had been through many horrid near death experiences with me. These two wonderful, sweet kids had been pushed in to adulthood way to fast. They no choice but to learn how to do everything from helping me change clothes to bandaging wounds. More serious things like how to keep a sterile field or how to debrid (clean/scrap debris from) wounds correctly at the ripe old age of 6 and 7. So consulting with my children about my leg amputation made complete and total sense to me. This would effect their lives more than most children, because by then they had the responsibilities of being my home health aides.

I felt calling a family meeting was a necessity, which had to be conducted from my home away from my 'hospital bed'. During any moments of lucidity, I went to work to make this happen. Courtney was easy to get a hold of. She lived in my house and visited daily. But reaching Ace was a problem. He was still in lock-up and restricted from phone calls for causing a fight between two of the other detainees. Still hard headed to a fault!

My extremely, wonderful, sister, Glory made a few phone calls on my behalf to parole officers, counselors and the head of the facility. Perseverance was the key.

Finally we had it arranged that at 7:00 pm Thursday the three of us would have a family meeting, whether on the phone (Ace) or in a hospital room from a chair (Courtney) or bed (Yours Truly).

First I told them how proud I was to be their mother and how much I loved them, for fear I might not ever have another chance to tell them. I mean, by now I knew how unpredictable my body could be. Then I explained the situation, but could not say the word amputation completely without falling to pieces. Then I said, "This will change ALL our lives, so I need your input on what should be done."

With all the wisdom of Ghandi they said "When it comes down to it Mom. It's your leg or your life! There's no contest! Give them the leg! We want...NO!...need you to live!" The shock and horror that came over me was eye opening, I hadn't really thought of it this way. I answered, "OK! There's just one more family member to consult. God! Let's pray and get His opinion whether amp..." I sobbingly, choked. "ampu...amputa...this procedure is His will?"

We immediately bowed our heads and fervently prayed. As we were finishing I felt a peaceful warmth, that is beyond anything I have ever felt. I said, "Kid's I now know having my leg amputated is God's plan for me. I have such a warm, peaceful feeling running through my being."

Simultaneously, Ace and Courtney with a smile in their voices said, "We know it's the right thing too. We know your at peace, because Mom, you just said amputation without stuttering, stammering or crying."

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Take the Leg!

The next morning I was awoken by the Orthopedic Surgeon, he was an older man, in his sixties and very set in his ways. Everything from that point on is so vivid to me, it's like it happened just moments ago.

He stood over my bed in his crinkled, yellow, paper scrubs, with his gangly arms folded across his chest, as the overhead light glared off his melon shaped, bald head. He said, "Ms. Bruce, you have an extremely rare infection. I've had you quarantined for fear that it's contagious to the touch. You may pick only two people that will be allowed to visit you, as long as they follow the rules of the quarantine. Meaning scrubbing their hands and forearms for five minutes before entering and, after exiting each time. Plus, they'll need to gown up and wear gloves for every visit, which are to be disposed of in the hazardous waste receptacle right outside your door. You are on the strongest antibiotics any human system can tolerate to try and kill this malicious germ. You now need to make a decision; you can stay on quarantine for 30 days while we pump these antibiotics into you and maybe we can save your leg or; we can amputate your leg. Your toes are already dead, so no matter what, they need to be removed."

Now for the eight years that I had been Dr. Muse's patient, he had been preparing me for this day. Every single time I went to visit him, whether it was about my leg or not, the first thing out of his mouth was always, "Merrym, you do know you wont have your leg all your life? With the way it gets infected bi-monthly, there's going to come a day we wont be able to cure one of these infections." My answer was the usual, "I know," and a quick nod of the head yes. This I had long ago accepted.

So my answer to the Surgeon was so speedy, it left his head spinning. "Take the leg!" I replied with a shaky voice, trying to choke back the tears that seeped from my eyes. He said, "You didn't even give that much thought! Take a week to consider this life changing matter. I'll ask again after the weekend." I tearfully answered,"OK, but my decision wont change!"

As the doctor left, I knew again, this was a time to put my trust in God. I sobbed, "Help!" God whispered, "Consult with your kids. This effects them too!"...

In you I trust, Oh my God.

Psalm 25:2

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Minutes From Death, AGAIN!

I made it through the night with lots of prayer and no sleep. My pastor came over, drove me to my doctor's office and left to start his daily routine.

Immediately as I rolled in the medical facilities door, Dr. Muse saw my ghostly, white complexion and withered appearance, and said, "Merrym, you need to get to the hospital now!" I answered, "My ride just left to an appointment. I was lucky just to get here. I don't know how I'm suppose to get to the hospital!" My doctor grabbed the phone, dialed and said, "Can I get a taxi at the IHC medical building. I need you to transport a patient to the hospital. This is the patients doctor and I'll be paying you. Hurry please!" I sat there not comprehending the conversation I had just heard.

Next thing I remember, I woke in a strange hospital room with tubes connected to me from every direction I looked. My daughter was standing over me, in yellow paper scrubs used for quarantine, rubbing my forehead softly and singing praises to God, while tears flowed from those beautiful brown eyes.

When she realized I was awake and comprehending what had happened, where I was and why. She said, "Hold on Mommy! I'll go get someone to explain what's going on," exited for a few minutes, returning with a nurse in tow.

Very professionally, he pulled the covers off my leg and sat me up enough to see it. What I saw is something I'll never forget. The bottom half of my leg was dark purple, swollen as big as the thigh on my other leg. My eyes focused on a skin tear running down the middle, while puss continuously oozed from it, puddling underneath my foot. But worst of all was my toes, they were black as coal and bloated.

The nurse said, "When you got here, you were minutes from death. We thought we lost you more than once. Let the antibiotics get in your system, rest and the doctor will be here in the morning to explain what his plans are for you." I mumbled to my daughter, "I love you kiddo!" as everything slowly faded into a abysmal darkness...

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the night.

Psalm 63:6

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Steam Rolled Again

As the praying faded, I felt awkward and very self conscious. I tried, to no avail to shrink into my chair. All attention turned to me and I felt the leaders of the conference converging on me, like sharks circling their prey. They laid hands on me and began praying for my healing. This went on for 30 minutes with only a tiny interruption to say, "God wants you to know you are worth more than you could imagine. After all He gave His son to die for your sins." This brought a rush of tears and racking sobs to my body. I knew this, but never really took it to heart before.

That night my leg was in so much pain that I couldn't sleep. It felt like a steam roller had parked on it, throbbing continuously, in unending waves of torture. I wiggled and squirmed, changing positions constantly, trying to find a comfortable position, while praying for some kind of relief. I received none!

The next day I barely made it to my own church for Sunday school. The people at church formed a consensus that; I looked extremely sick; I needed to go home and rest; and if I didn't feel good by the next day I should go see the doctor. There was no argument from me. I didn't have the energy for it.

I got in my door just in time for my body to erupt in excessively, violent vomiting, that quickly turned to dry heaves when the last bit of the minuscule meal I ate the night before was expelled. My body went from cold chills to a furnace overheating, all day and night.

By 8:00 pm I knew I needed a medical attention. But I wanted to wait until morning, so I could see my doctor, HE KNEW ME, my body and all my health issues. After all he'd been trained for eight years to know what to look for 'with me.' I just had to make it through the night until his office opened...

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Are You Not Much More Valuable Than They?

One person who drove me to visit Ace and Marcus, belonged to my church. I had just started going to a new church and didn't really know many people, but I knew she headed in the direction of the lock-up facility every Sunday night. She visited another small church that some of her close friends had started. So after we dropped Ace off and I visited with Marcus I went to that church with her.

During the long rides we got to know each other and became good friends. We shared our faith and we prayed with each other. I got acquainted with the people from this church and we had some Godly fellowship.

After about five months of visiting my friend's church, they made an announcement about a healing conference that was to happen the next weekend. I let it go in one ear and out the other, to disappear from my mind, like a speck of dust in a hurricane.

That week Ace and Marcus got in trouble and their punishment was no visit from Mom. So when my friend called to ask me to go with her to the conference, I was open to it. I figured, "What could it hurt?" Besides I would be spending time with God and keeping my mind off how upset I was at the boys. Cool! Double the benefits.

At the conference the leaders asked people that would like to be healed to come forward. I didn't move I thought, "God had to much to do to heal me besides, I wasn't worth the effort." But God had different plans...

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

It's A Hard Knock Life

Mer has never had it easy in any way or form. Her life has been one big struggle after another. Oh sure, there are many days she has conflicts with her bitter side. But she CHOOSES to have more days where she takes God's hand and says walk with me, lift me, carry me.

Mer, as you most likely know by now, was the last born of seven siblings. Yes, there were times you might say she was babied, but not spoiled. There wasn't much to spoil her with. We were, as they say 'dirt poor'. Our parents gave every thing they had to keep food on the table and clothes on our backs.

Mom and Dad 'finally' divorced after 25 years of treading water in the drowning saga they called a marriage. I know this may sound cruel but, I was soooo relieved when my Mom took us last three kids and literally, marched off that New Mexico farm! Mom and Dad were definitely no 'match made in heaven'!

After living through this part of our horribly dis-functional family life and not knowing as young women of that time era (late 60s-early 70s) how a man should treat a woman or when and how to stand up to a man, we became very confused. Most of our older siblings were married by now and in difficult relationships of their own.

We also had no idea how parents should really behave. We didn't respect our parents, we feared them. We'd seen Dad beat Mom; Dad beat each of us; Brothers abuse sisters; and on and on. We'd lived through a devastating fire. Our brother Robert survived a horrid car accident, it all seemed so unending. But we seemed to suck it all up and move forward, not really knowing the damage these events had taken on our souls. Yes, we did go to Church on a regular basis, thank God for that foundation in our lives!

Once Mom was on her own, she went a little overboard with the men. Her judgement was skewed, so the men she did allow in to our lives were seriously sad examples and pedifiles. She had a hard time knowing where to draw the line between discipline and down right beatings. Because of these issues Mer and I finally (THANK YOU JESUS!) ended up in a foster home. I was 16, and Mer came along later, I think around the time she was 13. Dad was no where to be found, although that's how we preferred it too.

Mer and I were actually wonderful, sweet, loving, good girls, all be it, very confused, scared and with very little self esteem or self worth. At this point Mer became very depressed and tried to commit suicide. My boy friend and I found her and rushed her to Valley General. My foster Mom was so angry that she couldn't bring herself to visit Mer. I must say though, our foster parents, Dorothy Duddy and Ronald Sternod, were absolutely wonderful examples and we thank them for there sacrifices.

Mer graduated at 17 and left home to live with our brother Robert for a short time and then moved to Utah to live with the Note-Worthy 'Mother Hen'


"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look whole heartedly you will find me."
Jeremiah 29:11-13

Love You Mer

You Can't Out Give God

Reading Merrym's blogs about Marcus, one might think: "This can't be real." "No one can be that giving." "She must be exaggerating." But Merrym is the real deal. She does care about others until it hurts. She is so kind, that it is hard to believe. When she told me what she was doing about Marcus, I had my concerns. As things came together, I knew it was God's will.

I take care of Merrym's bills, so I know exactly how much money she has. I try to save a little each month so she will have 'present money' for Christmas and birthdays. Somehow there is always enough money. Someone always slips a little money to me here and there, which really helps her out.

Merrym's kids' wants have always been small. They have known their mom doesn't have much money, so they don't ask for expensive things. I believe because of Merrym's giving heart and the unselfishness she has taught her children, they have been blessed financially at just the right times. They have been the recipients of gift cards (sometimes as much as $200) from the school and PTA. The kids have also received new shoes from programs they have through the schools to help those in need. Our churches have also been more than giving in to many ways to mention. At Christmas from time to time anonymous boxes appear and family members have also been very giving.

Merrym never went searching for financial help, she has just been blessed with it. God takes care of those who help others.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.

Luke 6:38

Love, Mother Hen Glory

Family Traditions

That Christmas as Glory and I picked up the boys and brought them home. The car was filled with uninterrupted, endless, excited chatter! Ace and Marcus had every second planned, which just brought gigantic grins with "Aren't they cute?" glances to mine and Glory's faces.

At my house we have many traditions, which Marcus was initiated with. My children take turns being in charge of a particular event each year.

• On Christmas Eve we read the first Christmas story from the Bible;
• Someone plays Santa and passes out the presents;
• We eat Jumble-berry pie for breakfast, which is an honor to cut;
• We cook ham (it is an honor to pray for our food) and enjoy each others company;

My children fought over these positions yearly. I was amazed there was no fighting this year, both Courtney and Ace were more than willing to hand the reigns to Marcus. Each time I would explain the tradition and ask,"Who wants to be in charge of this?" Marcus would shy away and try to fade into the background, but each time Ace and Courtney would simultaneously chime in, "It's Marcus's turn this year!" He'd grin from ear-to-ear, jump in and eagerly do each family task.

As we returned the boys to the facility and said our goodbyes. Marcus gave me a big hug, and tried to speak. Choking back tears, he commented, "I'm so glad God gave me a new family! I love you! See ya next weekend Mom!"

In everything he followed the example of his father.

2 Kings 14:3

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Giving Unselfishly

At Christmas time, during my children's teenage years, when we went shopping, I'd tell them how much money they could spend and let them choose their own presents. This way I knew they'd like what they got. I always saved money and divided it equally between the two. But this year I had less money than usual, because I was paying for gas to visit the boys.

I gathered a bit then took Ace and Courtney shopping a few weeks before the holiday. We went to an outlet store and they chose some clothes they liked. We went home and the wrapping was done automatically. I got Marcus the few things he was allowed to have at lock-up.

When I heard Marcus got to come home with me, I was so excited that it hadn't registered there were no big presents for him under my tree. After Ace calmed down enough to talk to where I could understand he said, "I just asked Marcus to step away so I could talk to you in private. He can't hear me now. Mom, I know you don't have anymore money for presents, so we'll give him half of mine. OK?" Then he went on to describe which presents to put Marcus's name on, which were to be his favorites. I was in tears, hearing the joy that this act of kindness brought him and knew he was finally understanding the lesson God was trying to teach him...

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

John 13:15

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

Persistence is My Motto

From the reaction I had received from the staff about trying to take Marcus home and my knowledge of the juvenile system, I knew persistence was to become my motto. I know I'm persistent, but I had little time and a big rule to get changed. One; Ace and Marcus were not suppose to fraternize outside facility grounds and two; get the court system to allow me (not the average person, someone not related to the child, someone disabled, someone who's own child was having serious problems) to be responsible for Marcus for the Christmas weekend.

The day after the Thanksgiving holiday I immediately started calling around to find out the hoops that I needed to jump through to make this possible. I prayed each time I dialed a number. Shock and disbelief were the normal reactions I was given, but I wasn't going to be deterred.

Remember, I was also finishing up my senior year in college, plus my weekends were spent keeping track of Ace on his home visits and visiting Marcus. Sleep was already rare, but I studied nights, so I could use my spare day time hours to work on this. Little to no sleep became the norm. I'm punchy as it is, but it was said I was extra goofy at that time.

Day after day I called courts, probation officers, parole officers, psychiatrists, and counselors. Ace and Marcus had different people for each of these, meaning it was like the phone had grown to my hand and connected it to my ear. The phone only left my ear so I could dial another number.

Finally I found some allies; When I graduated, Ace's counselor had to approve and verify where he was. She vouched for me. What was the best part was; the judge I had asked to make Ace deal with the consequences to his actions became my number one supporter. He was the person who made it possible for me to take Marcus home saying, "I know these boy's are in good hands. She'll make them tow the line. They're safe and secure with this outstanding woman."

Two days before I was to get Ace for Christmas, he and Marcus called me so excited that their words were a blur of jumbled exclamations. Confused I asked to talk to a staff member and said,"What's wrong?! Is someone hurt?!" It was the staff member I had first asked how I could take Marcus home, he answered with, "Ma'am, I'm pleased to inform you that Marcus will come home for Christmas with Ace. I would not have believed it myself, if I hadn't seen the paperwork. I've worked here 27 years and nothing has ever happened like this. Judge Johnson really respects you. You told me God could do anything. I doubted it, but He just proved it!"

I screamed for joy so loud, I'm sure they heard it for miles...

Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

Mark 6:48

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

With God All Things Are Possible

From that point on when I visited Ace, I visited Marcus. This meant I had to tell the people who gave me rides to and from, that I was going to take extra time at the facility. This began to limit the amount of people who 'volunteered' to drive me and usually cost extra money in gas. Oh well?! Marcus was and is important to God and me.

Marcus started opening up to me and we both looked forward to our visits. He even made craft projects for his Mer-mom, which Ace had said before he would not participate in. When they had parent-staff conferences on rules, I got informed as Ace's, then Marcus's mother.

Every time I brought Ace home, my heart would break a little for Marcus, because on weekends he was pretty much the only resident in the building.

Thanksgiving quickly approached and all the boy's in the facility got to go on a home visit, except sweet, lonely Marcus. I should have been happy, after all Ace was home, but I didn't really enjoy myself. All I could do was picture Marcus at the facility all alone, except for one staff member, eating that institution 'food???' YUCK!!! Again my heart was ripping to pieces and spilling out tears of sorrow. I vowed at that moment I would do everything in my power to have the newest member of my family home for Christmas.

When I returned Ace to the facility, I didn't tell Marcus my plan for fear of getting his hopes up only to have them dashed to bits.

As I left, I asked the staff member in charge, "How do I start the process of taking Marcus home for Christmas?" He just stood, staring at me in utter amazement and said, "I truly don't know. No one has ever attempted this. You know wanting to take on the responsibilities of a child that's not their own. I'll check into it, but I don't think it is possible." My answer came quickly, but calmly, "All things are possible with God! I'll be praying continually for this!" With a peaceful feeling in my heart, I then turned and rolled out the door...

With God all things are possible.-Matthew 19: 26

Pray continually;-1 Thessalonians 5:17

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

What Would Jesus Do?

The next weekend I went to visit Ace, I brought personal hygiene products for both him and his roommate, Marcus. As I entered the building the staff automatically called Ace to come for his home visit. But first I wanted to give Marcus the things I had brought him and have a 'get to know you visit'. When I told the staff my intentions and showed them the tiny bag of essentials for Marcus, their faces froze in expressions of shock. They flipped through the book of rules to find out the procedure on this. The closest rule they could find to cover this unprecedented occurrence was, inmates were not to fraternize with one another, other than being incarcerated in the same building. Reluctantly, they stopped Ace from coming, so I could visit with Marcus.

Warily Marcus entered the tiny visitation room with a look of wonder and excitement on his sweet, freckled face. I greeted him with a big hug, handed him the package and said, "I know you don't know me, but I'm Ace's mom. I'd consider it a privilege to be your adopted mom. Marcus, God and I already love you! Please allow me to visit you?" He stood in the middle of the room with tears trickling down his handsome face, shook his head yes, and choked out the words, "OK!" I spent a half hour there with him. I held his hand lovingly, asked questions about him and gave him my undivided attention. When I returned from the weekend home visit I had with Ace, I spent another tiny half hour with Marcus.

When I left the facility that day Ace was bombarded with suspicious questions from the staff and other residents. "Why is your mom doing this?" He looked at them stunned and said,"That's just my mom. She's just living what she believes. You know: What would Jesus do?"...

He defends the cause of the fatherless and widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

Deuteronomy 10:18

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce

I Want to Thank You

Merrym, Merrym, Merrym!

She called me today at work and asked if I would blog. She's busy watching two of her grand-children while their mom's at work. This isn't the norm for Mer, so it takes a lot out of her. She loves her grand-kids to pieces and tries to cover when their mom is in a pinch. The two little ones are three and six.

Anyway at this point in the blog, I wasn't to involved since we lived many states away. Cell phones were not readily available. There were some short, long distant phone calls, with many words of encouragement. Also a short visit here or there.

Glory really was and still is Mer's saving grace through all of this. God really blessed her with the patients of a Saint and the gift of giving, and when I say giving I literally mean giving of everything, including blood, at least a pound of flesh, buckets of tears and a whole lot of soul. Sounds like a song that needs to be written! LOL

I want Glory to know that in my case, as Mer's sister, that I truly am very thankful for all she has and continues to do. I know that I moan, complain and am very pushy, but I love her and am truly grateful that God has allowed her the time, money and spirit to take this difficult task on for our family.

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-3

Love You Mer & Mother Hen