Last week my Line manager had sent me a list of older folks in Residential Homes for me to fit in visits this month and next, before the rush and bustle of the C word ( or A word for Advent)
So I decided to walk across one Thursday afternoon -down the long granite housed Cranford Street, to see 4 residents with dementia, pass on Greetings from Mannofield church and a current church magazine.
I only managed to see 2 out of 4 folks, because at 2pm that day ( unbeknown of course to me) there was an Activity Session/Discussion in Common Area. The Manager kindly foisted upon me a welcome cup of tea. I chatted to one seated resident, before moving on to another room where Resident 2 lived. She was having personal care at the time so I went back to the foyer with my tea and texts.
After a few moments, a member of staff informed me that Resident 2 was ready to see me. She was lying very still in her bed ( there were very helpful photos on each residents room doors so I knew what he/she would look like) There not being a lot of response , but for a gorgeous smile as I waved goodbye several minutes later, I left
Fast forward to Saturday in Balmanno Hall in church, and I noticed the Church Officer pointing at my Body Shop stall ( selling off one of my daughter's surplus beauty products) and me.
"Yes, I was the Parish Asst who had left her card at Cranford Home, and yes, I'd be happy to speak to the gentleman in the vestry." Turns out, how timely that visit to his wife ( Resident 2) had been. She had not been expected to live many times over in her 12 year residency, but now the end looked like it was in sight. The chap said how thankful he was that I'd been to see his wife, and would I kindly do the funeral when need be. Of course, I consented, so grateful to God, for that God-incidence that had led me there two days before. These encounters greatly encourage me that I am in God's will and in His time, even when I don't realise it till later!
