The Blue Pitcher, ... "Where did you get it?"
--- by Esther
The search of a blue water pitcher "set" reminded me of humility that brought tears, and sweet smiles as it left precious memories to many ... a wish of a dying friend, loving wife & a devoted mother.
Hours before her last breath, a Blue Pitcher set was found & delivered to her bed side. What a perfect example of timing bringing honor & glory to God.
Tuesday Oct.9, seemed to be a very long day, patiently waiting for Ben to come home from the operating room so we can attend a funeral service. A couple of days before, we planned to be there but due to Ben's work, it may be up in the air whether we'll make it or not. I prepared myself to accept the "will of God."
Fortunately, we were able to attend the last few moments of the graveside service (three "sundowns" later) and immediately after that, to associate with the people, friends and relatives of Anna, who came from all over town & other surrounding states. It was also a moment to share and witness for Him.
She was laid to rest separated for now from loved ones and friends until that great "resurrection day."
There were numerous people and I was surprised (shocked) to hear this question from many we met, "Where did you get it?" I found out later that the story of the Blue Pitcher was mentioned by the preacher during the funeral service.
September 18, Anna and her husband, Milo were told that there was nothing more that could be done with her cancer. They left the doctor's office with a supporting "soft collar" brace and medications to ease the progressively worsening neck pain. (Ben broke the news to me after talking with Anna’s doctor, the cancer had already destroyed the neck bones). Luckily, Ben was assigned to cover a hospital close to their home, we were able to visit her more often.
Anna was always happy full of sweet smiles while recovering so well from breast cancer until she had a "buggy" accident (bringing her daughter to a dentist) that affected her neck and one leg. I was hoping and praying Anna will be healed. But God knows best.
(... Anna's accident reminds me of a car wreck in a busy icy highway, when Ben was recovering from cancer surgery. Car totaled, Ben broke one of his front tooth, wounded his forehead and unconscious for a short period of time. Kept telling him, “you survived the cancer please don’t die now.” While pulling him out of the car the engine started emitting smoke. We ended staying overnight in a hospital and found out the following day there were two deaths on the other side of the road that night).
While family members and friends taking their time saying goodbyes I was occupied with a request that I didn't take seriously at first. Anna asked me to find a "Blue Pitcher."
While searching for the pitcher I stayed focused asking God to help, to take away the "Why's" out of my vocabulary. The first pitcher set I found (with help from my daughter & her friend), was nice and Anna "smiled" when the package was unwrapped, ... I didn’t feel the real satisfaction, though. I asked Ben to check the internet. He found a nice pitcher but without the glasses. Wednesday, Oct. 3, we delivered the pitcher. With a glint in her eyes, she said, "Please keep trying," after mentioning to her that I was still trying to find the rest of the set.
I was about to leave after giving instructions to one of the sisters to give her water after drinking the fruit smoothie I brought when she spoke,"I may have some now." A chance to give her a drink personally. After asking for "more" the third time her sister and I looked at each other. Saw her eyes red, and felt at that time, she wanted so much to stay alive and well. Her mind clear in spite of her medications, her "spirit was willing" but her body was now too weak. Also thought about the scripture..."believing in Him having the living water which is Christ we will never thirst," kept thinking and asking God to give me strength before I got emotional. After leaving her room I could no longer hold my tears. I went out to the car to tell Ben what happened.
While family members and friends taking their time saying goodbyes I was occupied with a request that I didn't take seriously at first. Anna asked me to find a "Blue Pitcher."
While searching for the pitcher I stayed focused asking God to help, to take away the "Why's" out of my vocabulary. The first pitcher set I found (with help from my daughter & her friend), was nice and Anna "smiled" when the package was unwrapped, ... I didn’t feel the real satisfaction, though. I asked Ben to check the internet. He found a nice pitcher but without the glasses. Wednesday, Oct. 3, we delivered the pitcher. With a glint in her eyes, she said, "Please keep trying," after mentioning to her that I was still trying to find the rest of the set.
I was about to leave after giving instructions to one of the sisters to give her water after drinking the fruit smoothie I brought when she spoke,"I may have some now." A chance to give her a drink personally. After asking for "more" the third time her sister and I looked at each other. Saw her eyes red, and felt at that time, she wanted so much to stay alive and well. Her mind clear in spite of her medications, her "spirit was willing" but her body was now too weak. Also thought about the scripture..."believing in Him having the living water which is Christ we will never thirst," kept thinking and asking God to give me strength before I got emotional. After leaving her room I could no longer hold my tears. I went out to the car to tell Ben what happened.
Then I was reminded of a voice message I received earlier that day from someone who knew what I was looking for, "Esther, would like to know if you have found the set you are looking for. Come when you can." On our way home I asked Ben to change route for I wanted to check it out.
As the friend's living room door opened. I immediately saw the blue set. I was shocked and overwhelmed and whispered to myself, "they are so beautiful." Before I could say a word, our friend was apologizing for not letting me know earlier that she had it, the first time I mentioned what I was looking for. She added, "I know we all can die anytime but right now we are in a better position than Anna. You may have them and give it to her.” I was speechless but very grateful, and now tears running down my cheeks. I know the set is a family treasure. At first I can't accept but her sincere voice and after discussions about Christ's crucifixion and the two man at the cross, softened and touched my heart.
As the friend's living room door opened. I immediately saw the blue set. I was shocked and overwhelmed and whispered to myself, "they are so beautiful." Before I could say a word, our friend was apologizing for not letting me know earlier that she had it, the first time I mentioned what I was looking for. She added, "I know we all can die anytime but right now we are in a better position than Anna. You may have them and give it to her.” I was speechless but very grateful, and now tears running down my cheeks. I know the set is a family treasure. At first I can't accept but her sincere voice and after discussions about Christ's crucifixion and the two man at the cross, softened and touched my heart.
Although we have different beliefs in worship, we are not different in our faith in God. Glad to know that she, too knows that Anna lived a good Christian life. (reminds me of what Ben and I witnessed ... family together praying and giving thanks to God before and after meals at Anna’s home).
I asked how much it cost to pay for the set. It sure brought back sweet smiles and tears when she said, "I don't need the money but please promise this is just between you and I. Never crossed my mind this Blue Pitcher set will evoke attention to many of Anna's relatives & friends, making them ask the question, "Where did you get it.?
Thursday, the following day I planned to deliver the set. Unfortunately the first call to a friend, no answer. A call to another friend, her car had a flat tire. Well, have decided it was a stay home for me.
Friday, Ben and I planned to do some cleaning and mowing of the lawn at the Center in preparation for a health lecture on Sunday. But then, we decided to visit Anna to deliver the set instead of waiting 'till Monday.
At her home, I was let in by one of her sisters who were there helping out. I found many more people in the rooms. In one room all ladies, sisters, relatives and daughters were present. Milo met me and escorted me to where Anna was where two gentleman were also reading. As usual it felt good exchanging smiles with Anna.
. . I made it a bit dramatic taking out from the bag the glasses one at a time, placed them on top of the bed in a circle. Once I took out the "Blue Pitcher" Anna suddenly opened her eyes wide and her jaw dropped and said, "Haa!” She looked very happy and couldn't believe it! Everyone in the room shared with her joy and reacted with a smile. A special & precious moment to me that will be long remembered.
Never thought that was the last time I will see Anna smile. Milo followed me out of the room and told me that Anna would like to pay for the set. How could I accept money from a dying person especially a priceless gift from the heart? I went back to the room and said, "Anna, I understand that you want to pay, how about we exchange with honey, later?"
We both smiled. "Thank you, Esther, ok," were her last words to me. I squeezed her right foot and said, "I will see you again."
Saturday morning Oct. 6 around 8:23 AM, I woke up with an unusual tightness of my chest. I started my morning exercise by jumping up and down trying to shake the blood in my system, told Ben I was feeling discomfort in my chest. Checked my pulse it was good, strong and regular. After 10-15 minutes it was gone. Around 11:30 AM a phone call came, and it was about Anna. At 8:50 AM, she rested in peace. Silence was our first reaction. We were also at peace. It took a while for tears to fall. Our first conversation was about the "Blue Pitcher" set she waited for. Someday we will find out the “whys” she wanted the pitcher badly and glad we were instrumental in finding it for her.
Yes, there was peace among friends and family for having the time to say goodbyes and peace for Anna who had time to prepare herself. It's hard to imagine how she was feeling before she died. A few weeks before, she related to me an experience she had witnessed a month before about attending a funeral in Indiana. She mentioned to me with tears in her eyes how emotional for her to see young children crying on the death of their father. Now she herself was leaving her children, and two other young ones, Rosie (5) and Wilma (3).
Rosie, though she speaks German and I with strong Filipino accent we were able to communicate through smiles and actions. She was always ready to help unload groceries and then load the car with the previously used bottles I bring for her mom: immune booster juice and strawberry, blueberry, banana with vanilla soy milk and honey smoothie, one of Anna’s favorites. Though our visits were always short ones, I know Rosie will also remember the time spent with her mom, who taught her how to count pennies laid out on a long table in their living room.
The experience left me a lot of good valuable lessons in our friendship with Anna & her Amish family. Doing the best we can and leaving the rest to God with true faith. Love, patience, and even with physical, emotional discomfort to always remember to smile .
At the funeral someone had mentioned to me, "It's good to have friends." Through the water pitcher, to me it was a miracle, for she left a token that many will be reminded of true friendship, of true courage, love and faith in God. It reminded me of a song when I was a child, ”Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face and the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
Anna left her daughters a tangible gift to be remembered by, but the treasures she left behind being a sweet mom, devoted wife (always saying how good the husband is to her) and friend., and the memory of true faith believing in God not only by words but with actions. Up to the last minute she did what she believed. A peaceful way to rest and sleep without being hooked to different tubes and machines. The natural simple ways with God.
We will miss Anna, but God desire us to use every opportunity to witness. We are happy to be able to share our beliefs, health literatures & books to her other friends and relatives. The question, "Where did you get it?" still lingers, but true to our friend's request, I did not tell them where the "Blue Pitcher" set came from.
A Follow-up: We visited them to find out how they are doing. According to Kadie, before breathing her last breath, Anna asked Milo for a drink of water.
Milo said that it is very hard for him to fill the "emptiness" but his children are taking it better than him.
A letter from a relative: "Milo & her children are very lonesome for her by now. They said Rosie has tears in church usually. My heart aches for them. Here is a little prayer of her (Anna) own that she said over & over the last weeks: 'Jesus, Jesus come in here, and take me in your heavenly home'."
The Amish preacher said at the funeral: "... Anna wanted to give her daughters some dishes yet. So she said something to her FRIENDS, and you looked and found some, which pleased her."
Juice, Immune Booster:
2 carrots (stick)
1 apple
1 lemon (peeled)
1 ginger (thumb size)
"Men of stamina are wanted men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love and whose hands are strong to do the Master's work." Ministry of Healing, Development & Services.
"Men of stamina are wanted men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love and whose hands are strong to do the Master's work." Ministry of Healing, Development & Services.
