What loving hands can do

This is kind of a personal post, but I hope the next time you wonder if you're making any difference, it will help.

It's been 5 years since that day. In the YMCA pool were my little 6 year old daughter and 3 year old son. Twice a week I brought them for swimming lessons. Each time, I would place their things in a locker and go sit down in the observation room to watch. This time was different. I had been trying to control my grief and despair in front of my children and keep myself together. I found what I thought was a secluded corner of the locker room where no one could see me. Sitting on the floor, I pulled my knees into my chest and rested my forehead on them. In the safety of knowing I was alone, I let tears stream down my face into my secluded knees as I tried to accept the idea I would be raising my children alone and needing to find a way to provide. To my surprise, two older women came and placed their hands on my shoulders. I knew they couldn't have heard me and thought I must have just looked like I was resting. When they asked if I was alright and what was wrong I couldn't help but really start to cry. All I could voice was that my husband was leaving my children and I. They came in closer, touching my body and placeing their hands together- resting them on me. Those women prayed hard for my kids and I. They held me close for a while. Maybe the problem didn't go away, and I can't say my grief was gone. Never will I forget those two angels I had never met and never saw again who took time out of their day and lives to comfort me that morning.

When life feels pointless and monotonous, remember that you do make a difference. And while a few extra hours at work might earn you a bigger pay check that would all too soon be spent and gone, a few moments of loving someone may last a lifetime.