Super Bowl Sunday

by Kay Heitsch

I will never forget a Super Bowl Sunday night many years ago when I was asked to share my testimony for the first time.

I was terrified! I had no idea what I was going to say. I hadn't written anything out. Then, finally, I started to feel panic set in. I began pacing the floor.

All of a sudden, I felt blood running out of my nose! I ran into the bathroom and put my head in the sink.

Strange as it seems, a Bible verse came to my mind. I felt the Lord say, "Kay, I did not give you this spirit of fear. Instead, I give you power, love, and a sound mind."

Now another old saying came to my mind. "If the devil is working overtime, something good is bound to happen."

I stood up and continued getting ready, believing something good would happen, and it did!

Just A Memory

by Kay Heitsch

At Todd's calling hours, some teenagers shared with me that Todd had told them they should come over to our house and talk with me. They explained that Todd let them know I was easy to talk to. So after Todd's funeral, teenagers started to show up and talk. It was comforting to have them stop by and chat.

After talking for a while, I'd take them to Todd's room and let them look around. I usually didn't stay with them but allowed them to have alone time with their thoughts and feelings. While down in Todd's room, I told them if they saw something they would like, let me know, and if I didn't want to keep it, they could have it.

I found it amazing the things these teenagers chose. Several Cross Country teammates took a spike out of Todd's shoes. Each expressed their desire to keep a spike as a memory of Todd.

As each teenager showed me what they had picked, it opened my eyes to what was really important in life. They didn't choose something that had any monetary value. Instead, they chose a small item that was just a memory.

I could see by the items these teenagers chose what really was important in life; it wasn't about stuff; it was about relationships.

Fixed My Vision

by Kay Heitsch

A lot of things broke my heart but fixed my vision. ~ Quotes ~

This quote has a lot of meaning for me. The heartbreak of Todd dying broke my heart, but amazingly with the help of the LORD, it fixed my vision. After that, I started to see life in a totally different way.

Things that had been a priority in my life now seemed insignificant. I started to notice people and take my time to help them. In the past, I was always in a big rush. Now life took on a different meaning.

One day I was grocery shopping. I happened to notice an elderly man who appeared to be confused. I stopped and asked if he needed help. I could see the hurt in his eyes. He thanked me and explained that his wife had recently died and he wasn't used to grocery shopping. Before I had gone through my painful experience, I doubt I would have even noticed him.

Our Bible verse says, Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 GNT

Unfortunately, sometimes it does take a painful experience to make us change our ways. But with the help of the LORD, we can be better for them.

A lot of things broke my heart but fixed my vision.

Do You Believe In Angels?

by Kay Heitsch

Shortly after Todd's death, I went through the drawers in his desk. I came across a book Todd had written in the 6th grade as a class assignment. What caught my attention was a line, "My constant companion, Wendy."

On the day of Todd's funeral, my sister-in-law shared with me something that her nine-year-old son, Josh, had told her that had happened the night before. Josh said someone by the name of Wendy had come into their room and talked to him. Josh said Wendy told him Todd was safe and happy, and he didn't hurt.

This past December was a rough month for me in several ways. What I found interesting is that a gal I hadn't known that well by the name of Wendy checked on me every day. Little did Wendy know, I saw her as a wink from God, letting me know He was looking out for me.

Do I believe in Angels? Oh yes, I do. I believe Todd's Wendy was his guardian angel. I believe my friend Wendy was an angel on earth.

"God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go." Psalm 91:11

Hey Todd!

by Kay Heitsch

Again, another February 6th. It doesn't seem possible you have been gone so long. It seems like yesterday you walked out the back door calling, "Later, Mom." I never dreamed how much later it would be.

You left behind some fantastic friends. I am blessed to now have them in my life as well. So many have shared memories they have with you. Yesterday one of your classmates told me, "Todd was always a light...always smiling and always making us laugh."

You are loved not only by our family but many loving, caring people who knew you. Some people who have never met you think of you with love.

Life goes on, but our memories of you are timeless treasures. We are thankful you were part of our lives.

I love you, Mom