A loving Christmas story
A friend of mine, let's call her Ann, has a husband (we'll call him Steve)who has suffered from Parkinson's disease for many years. Ann has been his sole caretaker. Finally this last year she has found some support but as his condition deteriorates, the care is exhausting. They are a couple of limited means--he was a minister, she a counselor. Not high paying careers but two lifetimes dedicated to others. Their adult children are concerned but live hundreds of miles away.
This Christmas.their daughter (Carol), who lives in a large city several hours drive away, wanted Ann and Steve to spend Christmas with her and her husband. However Carol's townhouse could not accommodate her father's wheelchair. So Carol called a very upscale hotel in their city which was near the large church they wanted to attend for Christmas service. She wanted Christmas Eve to be a special treat. She booked rooms for all of them for Christmas Eve and told the reservationist why she wanted adjoining rooms and a little of her father's condition.
Upon arrival at the hotel, the families were told their reservation had been upgraded to the "Governor's Suite"---at no additional charge. The suite had something like 2 luxury parlors,4 luxury bedrooms, 4 luxury baths, soft white luxurious bathrobes for everyone. Carol posted a beautiful Christmas morning photo of all of them in their supersoft bathrobes opening gifts and breakfasting on delicious room service croissants and coffee. One might have thought they were part of the 1%.
The story still brings tears to my eyes. What a loving daughter. What a thoughtful hotel. Ann and Steve are a gentle, loving couple who deserve every kindness this world can offer.
There was "room at the inn" thanks to God's gifts of love and kindness.
Can I share the gift of love and kindness today?
Blessings-Penny
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