Thankful Thursday: Miss Carol

I'm really excited for our day tomorrow. The kiddos and I are heading out to our old stomping ground to hang out with one of the dearest women we know, and we can't wait.

Back when I was about 8 months pregnant with Ikey, I joined MOPS. I loved it. The year ended quickly, and I of course continued going the following semester with my 2 year old and newborn in tow. Well for some reason Mikey then decided he couldn't handle being away from me, and would get himself so upset he'd even occasionally vomit all over himself when I'd leave. Fun times. But at that time he had the sweetest teacher that just took the greatest care of him, and was so patient even when he was screaming his everlovin' head off. Her name is Carol (Miss Carol, as Mikey adopted to calling her) and as time went on and we were at that MOPS for a couple more years, she became his dearest friend. He just adored her! He looked so forward to seeing her every other week.

Sadly almost 4 years ago we moved from that area, and I was no longer going to attend that MOPS. Miss Carol was so sad because she thought Mikey would never remember her. :*( I of course assured her we would never let that happen, and we promised to stay in touch and see each other often.

As the story always goes, time got away from us and we've only managed to see her twice in these 4 years. (Gosh I feel horrible saying that!) But we have still kept in touch by email and she has been so touched to know that Mikey still not only remembers her, but asks about her often. Before we moved out of the area, she had given Mikey a small photo album with a great picture of the two of them, and he still has it. She is the most amazing woman and I adore her so.

I almost completely forgot that for Mikey's 5th birthday (I believe) Miss Carol made the drive out to us to celebrate his special day. I remember her going out in the jumper with him and bouncing away, and how incredibly happy they were together!

About a year ago, after losing contact for several months, Miss Carol told me that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It breaks my heart to think of someone so special and loving and caring going through something so torturous. Yet I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she will display the most beautiful amount of grace and faith that others will be so touched by her.

I am so blessed to know this woman, and I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to seeing her tomorrow.