154 ~ Bullying

By Kay Heitsch

One day, our son, Todd, came home from high school and shared with me about a boy being bullied at school. This kid was not a friend, but that didn't seem to matter to Todd. He didn't like it that this kid was being bullied.

As we stood in the kitchen, Todd told me that he had confronted the guys who were bullying this boy. Then he went on to say he was planning to meet them after school, off school grounds. Wow! I wasn't expecting to hear that!

To make a long story short, Todd went to the designated location to meet these bullies. He asked a few friends to come along. I'm not sure if these boys would confront the guys or if they were showing moral support. Anyway, it didn't matter! Wouldn't you know the bullies never showed up!

Todd died in a car accident not too long after the incident. He made a statement by his actions that day. It didn't matter if the person being bullied was a friend or not. Todd confronted the situation!

When we had Todd's calling hours, hundreds showed up. I'm not sure, but I bet the bullies were there too. I can tell you that when Todd passed away, he was not only loved but also respected.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

153 ~ The Gun Shot

By Kay Heitsch

Grandma and Grandpa Z lived in a small home in a quiet neighborhood. When Grandpa Z was alive, he had a big garden behind their home and also one across the street.

Grandpa loved flowers, so there were flower beds around the house. They also had pear trees in the backyard. I can tell you these were the best pears I have ever eaten.

As Grandma Z aged and Grandpa had died, only the pear trees were left. But Grandma continued living in this home.

One day, while Grandma Z was in bed, she heard a loud noise above her head. She had no idea what it was.

Since she was on her walker and now partially blind, she called her neighbor, a retired sheriff, to come over and see what was going on.

Lo and behold, there was a bullet hole in her bedroom wall above the bed, and it went straight through to her bathroom wall above the toilet. If Grandma had been sitting up in bed or sitting on the toilet, she would have been shot!

This was pretty scary! To my knowledge, I don't know if they ever found out who shot the gun. They figured someone must have been target practicing. Pretty obvious, they weren't a good shot!

However, even after this scary experience, Grandma Z continued living in that house for several years until she went to the nursing home.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

152 ~ That Word

 By Kay Heitsch

Right after I gave birth to Shannon, I joined a fitness club. After we moved, I never joined another fitness club until after Todd died.

We were up checking on Todd's grave and stopped over to visit Grandma Z. in the nursing home. As always, Grandma always said something you couldn't ignore.

This visit, Grandma Z. asked me to come close to her so she could feel my legs. It seemed weird, but I scooted over close. After giving my legs a couple of squeezes, she sat back in her wheelchair and, in her matter-of-fact way, said, "Kay, you're getting flabby!"

If that wasn't bad enough, now she wanted to know how much I weighed. I started joking with her, and then she said, "I weigh 111 —where do you come in around that number?" I weighed 103 at the time, but I wouldn't tell her.

When we got home, I needed to go to the dentist and had a crown. On my way home, I saw a sign in a town close to ours. It said, Valley Tan and Fitness. Even though I was still numb from the dental work, I stopped in and joined. I loved going there and met some fantastic people who are still friends today.

The following summer, we were back at the nursing home visiting Grandma Z. After giving her a hug, I announced, "Hey Grandma, I joined a fitness club! Don't you want to feel my legs?"

With a tone only Grandma would use, she gasped, "Heaven's no, why would I?" I laughed and continued, "Well, last time we were here, you wanted to feel my legs, and you actually said, 'Kay, you're getting flabby!" after feeling them.

I'll never forget Grandma's response. In a tone of disbelief, she scoffed, "Flabby, flabby?? That word is not even in my vocabulary!"

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

151 ~ Give Your Feelings A Kick In The Can

By Kay Heitsch

A few years ago, I had to give my feelings a kick in the can! I'll explain.

I had received an upsetting phone call. I'll admit I was really ticked off to hear what someone said to someone I love. Bill was driving at the time and had sent me a text while I was on the phone. So before I thought, I told him what had been said, and now Bill was angry too.

Before I knew it, I thought of calling a few other people to let them know what was going on.

Thank God it was late, because I had enough sense not to call and upset several different people.

I had heard a good message called "Give your feelings a kick in the can!" about not letting your feelings control you. I knew I needed to put this into practice now. I asked the Lord to please help me!

As I got into bed, I thought of the text, "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." Ephesians 4:26 I knew I had to put this situation in the Lord's hands by faith and let it go.

Giving my feelings a 'kick in the can' wasn't easy, but I slept very well that night, and I planned to enjoy the next day without anger.

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2

150 ~ God's Surprise

By Kay Heitsch

As November gets closer, I can't help but think about Todd's birthday.

Today, I was thinking about all the times God has provided what I needed. Some things have been financial, some others helpful, and some things have happened to show His love.

Todd's birthday is not just any other day. So when I walked down to the mailbox years ago, I was in for a God surprise. In the box was a personal letter from Dr. Peale's office. I couldn't wait to open it!

As I began reading, I was overwhelmed! Dr. Peale wanted to put the letter I had written him as the introduction to his new hardback book, Have A Great Day-Every Day! This was the same paperback book Todd read, and I gave away to friends and family in his memory.

After all these years, I still hold this precious memory close to my heart. What are the odds of this request letter arriving on Todd's birthday?

Who can ever doubt God's personal love for each one of us?

Remember how I led you on this long journey. Deuteronomy 8:2