Accept Responsibility

by Kay Heitsch

"More people would learn from their mistakes if they would accept responsibility for their actions."

This quote reminded me of the following story.

Last week our little grandson Noah owned up to something he had done. Noah had taken the lid off of the gerbil cage, and the cat had gotten in. I'm happy to report the gerbils are doing fine.

When Noah told me that he had taken the lid off the cage, I was happy that he was taking responsibility for his actions. I told him how proud I was of him for owning up to what he had done.

This week at school, Noah received an award for being the Star Student. When I asked what the award was for, I was told it was, The Responsible Award. You know I am a proud Ooma (Grandma)

Children must learn early to be responsible and own up to things they do wrong.

This Bible verse is good advice. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

If a child is trained early to "Accept Responsibility," it's a good chance they will learn from their mistakes and grow to be responsible adults.

My Friend Evy

by Kay Heitsch

I would like to share with you about my friend, Evy. As many of you know, Evy is Todd's wife, who I have been asking prayers for.

If you don't know, Todd has given 2/3 of his liver to his friend Dave. We all can see what a selfless act this is.

Evy also is a selfless giver. I'd like to tell you a little about my relationship with her. Evy was a very close friend to my son Todd. In fact, Evy was with Todd the night before he died. After Todd died, Evy came over to our home many times. As a result, we became close friends as well.

I wasn't a Christian when I met Evy. One day she brought over a cassette tape of Michael W. Smith's song "Friends." I was surprised that this Christian music was something I could relate to. I can honestly say that Evy had a big part in my becoming a Christian.

When Evy told me she had met a man she was planning to marry, I was surprised that his name was also Todd. I was honored when Evy and Todd asked me to read 1 Corinthians 13 at their wedding.

Over the years, Evy sent me a rose on the anniversary of Todd's death. Some people forget, but Evy never did.

What Todd did by giving part of his liver to Dave was a unique, selfless act for sure. However, Evy is a selfless giver also.

I have been blessed to know both Evy and Todd.

Do You Know Why?

by Kay Heitsch

I can not tell you the shock I felt when my husband Bill told me he was thinking about driving an 18 wheeler across the country. Bill had worn a suit or a sport coat with a shirt and necktie to work all of our married life. Bill even had training in the Twin Towers in New York City.

My first response to this truck driving excursion was, "You don't even know how to drive a truck!" Bill's answer was, "I know, I'm going to go to truck driving school." I thought he had lost his mind, but after being married for over 40 years, I had learned to go with the flow.

After Bill finished truck driving school, he asked if I wanted to take a road trip with him. At first, I was hesitant, but then I thought, "Why not!" When I climbed into this big semi, I had no idea what this trip would hold. I brought along some yarn and knitting needles for something to do. I started to knit little cell phone sacks where I place a Bible verse. I gave these away to several people along the trip.

I saw very few women traveling with their husbands. However, one night we were sitting in the truck watching what I called "the dance" as truckers were maneuvering to park when I noticed a woman walk by with a man that I presumed was her husband. I don't know why but I told Bill I wanted to find this lady and give her one of the cell phone sacks I had made.

I jumped out of the truck and walked into the truck stop. I looked all around, but I didn't see this woman, so I looked in the bathroom; there she was, brushing her teeth.

I have never had too much trouble talking with strangers. I introduced myself and asked her name. I don't remember what I said, but I must have mentioned I was traveling with my husband. At first, Mary was quiet then asked, "Do you know why I started to ride with my husband?" Of course, I didn't, so I asked her why. Mary went on to tell me how her teenage son had died in a motorcycle accident in 1988, and she didn't like to stay home alone.

I could hardly believe it! I shared with her that my teenage son Todd had also died in a car accident in 1988. We both stood in silence for a few seconds. Wow, now we found out we had something else in common.

Mary expressed that she had not been able to talk to anyone about her son's death because she felt that no one would understand. I let Mary know she was free to tell me anything she felt comfortable with.

With tears in her eyes, Mary began to tell me her story. After sharing about the day of her son's tragic death, we were both crying. We gave each other an understanding hug knowing the pain we both had experienced.

Suddenly we realized we had been talking for some time. Mary expressed that her husband would be wondering what happened. When we opened the bathroom door, there was Mary's husband patiently waiting. Mary still had tears in her eyes as she told John about our conversation. She expressed how grateful she was that God had brought someone she could talk to who would understand.

You know, at first, I didn't understand why I wanted to find this stranger and give her a cell phone sack, but I do know now. There is always a reason we meet new people. I genuinely believe God arranged our meeting so Mary could share her story with another mother who understood the pain of losing her child.