61 ~ Rose and the Homeless Mission

By Kay Heitsch

It was amazing watching God work in this store while we waited for our house to sell.

Bill asked if anyone did community service. Rose spoke up and said her church provided clothes and help for the needy and homeless. Bill told her he thought I would like to help her.

I certainly did! I contacted churches and other organizations, and once a week, I stopped by each church to pick up any items they had. People also dropped off bags of items at our home.

Bill would take these things to the store, and Rose's husband would take them to the mission.

Rose and I became friends even though I seldom drove to the store. We both prayed for Bill's safety and for the store. Rose gave me a video of the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir with testimonies. I loved it and still have it.

Rose had worked in this store for quite a while. She expressed to me how things seemed more peaceful since Bill was the manager. I think we both thought that if it was God's will, Bill would turn this mess around.

Bill's old store was finally closed. They were getting rid of clothes racks. We rented a truck. I rode along, and we drove to the mission. Rose's husband came too.

I had been saving a snowmobile suit that Todd had outgrown. It was like new. I had saved it for Brandon for years, but decided to send it up to the mission.

Much to my surprise, when we pulled up to the mission on a cold, winter afternoon, a small, toothless guy ran over to help with the biggest smile.

Lo and behold, he was wearing Todd's snowmobile suit. My eyes filled with tears.

I felt God was letting me know that I thought I was saving this snowmobile suit for Brandon, but He had me keeping it for another one of His precious children.

Rose came to Bill's office the following day. She told Bill there was a story about that snowmobile suit. She said this suit fell out of the bag at the homeless man's feet. He asked if he could have it because he had always wanted one.

As you can see, God was bringing more good out of Todd's death and this unfair situation.

60 ~ 20-40-60 Plan

By Kay Heitsch

We had moved many times, so moving was nothing new to us. We contacted a friend who was a realtor and listed the house.

I was attached to this house because of Todd. I knew he wasn't walking through the back door, but still, I didn't want to leave.

We had never lived this long in any area. We had made many friends here. We were happy. I thought for sure Bill would be awarded this large new store. But that was not the case.

This ghetto store Bill was sent to was rough. Crack vials outside on the sidewalk. Homeless and drug addicts in and out. A fire was started inside the store. A truck backed into the plate glass window to steal merchandise. I could go on.

Bill had a couple of employees who had been working there for a while. They teased Bill, calling him Mr. Rogers. He was one of the only white guys there. However, this wasn't an issue for him or his employees.

The company thought Bill should turn this store around or face consequences. The last manager had a complete breakdown; he never returned to retrieve his belongings.

We couldn't understand what was happening. Later, we learned that Bill was part of the company's 20-40-60 Plan. Any manager who had been with the company for over 20 years, was over 40 years old, and made over $60,000 was wanted out. Bill fit into this category.

This seemed like a nightmare at times. But God had His plan to use even this situation to bring good out of it.

59 ~ That's Not Fair

By Kay Heitsch

It was very soon after Todd's death that Bill was offered another transfer to another state. Bill had never turned down a transfer before. But he did this time.

Usually, we liked to move. The company paid everything and gave a moving allowance. But now, Todd had just died.

Bill's store was doing so well, thanks to the employees and wonderful customers, that the company decided to close Bill's store and build a larger one. Bill helped find the right people to assist the company in locating the land and other necessary resources. Everyone was excited!

Bill's employees were happy and felt confident that Bill would be offered the new store as the general manager, given the job he had done.

But, no, that was not the case. The company was not happy that Bill had turned down the transfer to another state.

Instead of giving Bill the new store, they told him on his 25th anniversary of working for them that they were offering it to another man.

Bill was moved into a ghetto store over 2 hours away. This was heartbreaking and seemed unfair. Now Bill drove over two hours every day to work. We put our house up for sale.

When the new store had its grand opening, we attended. I saw former employees with tears in their eyes. It was sad, but we wanted to show our encouragement to the new store manager and Bill's former employees.

This was a tough time, but God saw us through and brought good out of it.

58 ~ Secret Room

By Kay Heitsch

I was overjoyed that the empty void was filled; I wanted to share what I had discovered.

First, I began buying the paperback "Have a Great Day" books, because this was a book Todd read every morning.

I enjoyed the condensed edition of The Power of Positive Thinking, so I bought those for the high school kids.

Sometimes, I received donations when I shared my testimony, so I used all of this money to buy other positive booklets by Dr. Peale.

My prayer was that people would find a personal relationship with the Lord, just as I had.

After "In Loving Memory of Todd" and "She Surrendered to God" were published, they sent me copies to give away.

I was still going to the nursing home every Thursday. There was a resident at the facility who made it clear he had no use for God. However, he was so excited that I had my picture on this PLUS that he wanted some to give away. I had to smile.

One day, he asked if I would come over in the afternoon because he wanted me to walk downtown with him. He said he wanted to introduce me to someone.

A week or so later, I dropped by in the afternoon and stopped by a family-type video store. I was introduced to the owner, and he started to show me around. The next thing I knew, we were in the back. There was a secret room where men were renting movies that should never have been in a family video store.

I was so disgusted that I wrote a letter to the editor, informing the public that this room was located at the back of the store.

I expected to hear from concerned churches. But no! I had nasty calls instead.

We had moved from the area when I received a very sad phone call.

Two high-school girls were at a video store, and a man had asked them for a ride. One precious girl was killed, and the other lived.

The mother of the girl who died heard my testimony before her precious daughter was killed. She said it helped her to write a book and go out and speak.

God was taking another tragedy and turning it into a triumph.

57 ~ Slowly Accepting Todd's Death

By Kay Heitsch

After the announcement and write-up in the newspaper, I began to receive numerous requests to share my testimony.

I have no sense of direction. There was no GPS to help back in the day. Bill laughed and said he knew this must be something God wanted me to do because I would take off.

Every now and then, my friend Dimple would accompany me. Dimple liked to always say she was pushing 100 when anyone asked her age. We were quite the team.

It didn't matter that I had no clue about the directions. Somehow, whenever I asked for directions, people were always willing to help me. Some even had me follow them. I was never late.

My biggest problem was trying to control myself from starting to cry. I would gain control over one part of the message, but then I would choke up somewhere else.

I was asked to ride along with a man and share my testimony at his meetings. We usually went out once a week. I shared with him how I was sorry I couldn't seem to get a grip on my emotions.

What I found interesting was what he told me. He said that when I paused and wiped a tear, it gave the audience permission to show their feelings too. Thanks to him, the pressure was off.

What I was finding out was that, having to tell my story over and over, I was slowly beginning to accept Todd's death.

This may seem odd to some of you. That's okay. But others know that with a sudden, unexpected death of your child, it's hard to accept they won't be walking back through the door they left from.

I could see God was bringing good out of Todd's death, and I was slowly beginning to accept it.

56 ~ Newspaper & Classmate's Letter

By Kay Heitsch

Soon after I received the award, the people at the Peale Center sent the letter, "In Loving Memory of Todd," along with the announcement that I had received the Norman Vincent Peale Award, to our local newspaper.

Much to my surprise, the newspaper decided to publish the story with Todd's picture.

It wasn't long afterwards that I received a letter from a classmate of Todd's.

In the letter, this girl explained that when she heard Todd had been in an accident, she prayed that Todd would live, and God would do what was best for the Kingdom.

When she learned Todd had died, she was devastated. As a result, she was angry and her faith was shaken.

But now, after reading the newspaper and seeing all the good things God was doing through Todd's death, her faith was restored.

I was blessed that this sweet classmate of Todd's took the time to write me and share how her faith had been restored.

I don't believe God causes tragedy, but I believe God uses these tragedies to accomplish what is right for His kingdom.

55 ~ The Positive Thinking Seminar

By Kay Heitsch

I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would receive such an award.

My parents had both died, so I called Aunt Carmeleta. Let me tell you, she was excited.

Ric explained that I could bring a guest. Bill couldn't go, so Aunt Carmeleta was thrilled that I asked her to come along with me.

I called my friend, Ann, who lived in Michigan, and told her the news. Ann said she was going to fly to Atlanta to be there.

The morning of the Positive Thinking Seminar, Ann and I discovered that we were both wearing almost identical suits.

We both had hot pink jackets. However, my skirt was black, but Ann's skirt was dark blue. What were the odds of that? We all had a laugh.

We rode down the elevator with some professional football players. Boy, those guys were huge.

Once we walked into the auditorium, we found some seats in the back. All of a sudden, a guy came up and called me by name. I didn't know him, but I found out it was Ric. Ric recognized me from the picture I had sent.

Ric asked what we were doing sitting in the back. He then ushered Aunt Carmeleta and Ann right down to the front row. The next thing I knew, Ric brought me up on the platform. I sat down. Oh my gosh, this was unreal!

The next thing I knew, I saw Dr. and Mrs. Peale walk up on the platform and sit down. Dr. Peale looked down my way. He pointed his finger at me and said, "I know you!"

I immediately jumped out of my seat and ran over to give them both a big hug.

I didn't care what anyone thought. Dr. Peale's books had changed my life. He introduced me to a better way of living through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I had to hug him!

I'll never forget this wonderful experience. Dr. Peale and everyone involved with the Peale Center were humble, kind, and loving. I'm forever thankful God brought them into my life.

54 ~ God Had A Better Plan

By Kay Heitsch

I was thrilled to hear that a Positive Thinking Seminar was scheduled for June 14-15 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Since we lived in Ohio, this would be the perfect opportunity for me to see Dr. Peale in person.

I put this pamphlet on the counter in the kitchen and prayed that if it were the Lord's will, I would be able to attend the conference in Cincinnati.

The Cincinnati seminar came and went, and I wasn't able to attend. Let me tell you, I was very disappointed.

A few weeks later, I received another phone call from Ric. He had some great news!

Ric told me that after Dr. Peale received my follow-up letter, he wanted to give me his Norman Vincent Peale Award.

This award will be presented to me at the Positive Thinking Seminar in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 20-21. I was in shock!

Along with me, Dr. Peale would be giving this award to General Colin Powell and Angel Wallenda. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Ric asked me to send a picture of myself for the magazine cover. I don't like having my picture taken, but Ric insisted.

After our phone call, I found the pamphlet. I looked and, right under the Cincinnati, Ohio seminar, was the Atlanta, Georgia seminar. I had never noticed Atlanta, Georgia, because I was so focused on Cincinnati.

What was truly amazing was that our last foster children had left. I was free to go. Additionally, my flight and hotel expenses were also covered.

You know I prayed for Cincinnati, but God had a better plan.

53 ~ The Next Letter

By Kay Heitsch

I wasn't expecting the Peale Center to stay in touch after they published my letter In Loving Memory of Todd, but they did.

Ric, Dr. Peale's editor, and Ann, his assistant, called me every so often. They always asked what was going on in my life.

You never know what foster children may bring into your home.

When Ric called this week, I had been dealing with scabies and pink eye. I was stripping beds, washing towels and clothes, spraying Rid on the furniture and interior of the van, and rubbing cream on everyone. I also put drops in for the pink eye. To top it off, we had to make another trip to Michigan on the weekend.

Ric was a single guy. I don't think he had any idea how much work it would be to deal with all of this when he asked if I would write Dr. Peale another letter.

Ric explained this would be a follow-up letter telling Dr. Peale what had been going on since my last letter. They wanted to publish it.

I reminded Ric I was not a professional writer. Also, In Loving Memory of Todd, I wrote it so fast that I didn't even feel I was writing it. Ric ignored my excuses and said he would expect my letter on Monday.

I let Ric know if this was something the Lord wanted me to do, I'm sure it would be there. If not, it wouldn't.

I set up the card table in our bedroom with our old typewriter on it. I put a sheet of paper in.

In between cleaning, spraying, washing, applying cream, cooking, and packing, I would type a few words that came to my mind.

Much to my delight, by Friday, the letter was ready, and I sent it to Ric for Dr. Peale.

Saturday morning, everyone was cleared up, and we headed for Michigan.

Time passed, I was pretty busy, and I forgot about the letter.

52 ~ 2:00 AM Phone Call

By Kay Heitsch

When I answered the phone in the middle of the night, I was half asleep. I could hear someone sobbing on the other end of the line.

It took a few minutes for me to understand what was being said. But eventually the caller calmed down enough to talk.

Through sobs, I learned that someone at the hospital had given the caller my name. I suppose she looked up my number in the phone book.

Now this distraught mother shared why she was calling. She explained that she had been mowing the lawn with a tractor while holding her little boy. Somehow, he slipped off her lap, and she ran over him. Her precious son was dead.

Oh my God, help me! I didn't know what to say. This must be a nightmare. But I knew it wasn't.

During our conversation, I learned there was another child in the family. There was a little girl. Now I was told the day and time when this precious child's funeral would be. I knew I should attend.

Out of the blue, right before I went to the funeral, I thought I should stop by K-Mart and buy a stuffed animal. I bought a gift bag with tissue paper and put the toy inside.

When I walked into the funeral home, I spotted this little girl. I walked over and handed her the bag. Her sweet eyes lit up. It wasn't much, but I believe this little gift helped in some way.

This was a horrible tragedy, but once again, God gave me an idea of how to show His love and to also bring something good out of Todd's death.

51 - Show You Care By Being There

By Kay Heitsch

Show You Care By Being There

One Friday, while I was getting ready to go to Michigan for the weekend, the phone rang.

I didn't know the person who called. She explained that she had heard me give my testimony, and didn't know now she could go on if one of her children died. But now she could see there was hope.

We talked about her family. As I recall, there were 5 daughters, but only one son.

Monday morning, we were back from Michigan, and the phone rang again. It was the same mother, but she sounded different.

Much to my horror, she told me, through tears, that her only son had died in a car accident over the weekend. He was going to Florida and fell asleep driving.

I felt strongly I should go to the funeral home, but I was feeling apprehensive about it. A lot of emotions were going to be involved. I wondered how I would handle it. Finally, I decided to trust God and go to the funeral home.

I remember standing in a long line of people who knew the family who were there to show their love.

I didn't know anyone, including the mother, but somehow it didn't matter. I believed I was there to show God's love by being there.

I don't remember saying a word. I gave this grieving mother and her daughters a hug, letting them know I cared.

Words aren't crucial at these times. What's important is to show you care by being there.

Sometimes we can't be there in person. But sending a card, call, or private message will let the grieving person know you care.

Life isn't easy at times. But showing God's love and that you care is what's important.