Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Prayer For Ella


--by churchlady, posted Mar 6, 2008

Ella is my best friend and adopted sister. She was, at one time, a vibrant and active person. She taught school for a time, worked in local politics to change
environmental policies in her area, and volunteering in many other places.


I remember a time when Ella pulled out her wallet and wrote a check for a woman who had no rent money and was in danger of getting kicked out of her home. She never even stopped to think about it. Nor did she know the woman. When I was going through my most painful times, Ella was right there beside me. She was always on my side and on the side of "right".

A while back, Ella had an accident that resulted in major brain injury. She lost her career, and most of her abilities to care for even herself. Between her sister, husband, some terrific public nurses and homemakers, Ella has been able to live an additional 11 years, despite a debilitating stroke that hit her just five years after her accident. Her condition is complicated by diabetes, which has been with her since youth. She is in her sixties now.

I received a call the other day, telling me that Ella must now have an amputation of one leg below the knee. She doesn't heal well and this situation has been caused by  foot sores that have plagued her for the last 3-4 years.  Her sister is living in the house with her, as well as both of their husbands. However, age and medical problems make it very difficult for the four of them to manage.

I booked a train last night to go to her. I will be there until the end of the month. I'm sure that I will find many opportunities to be helpful to people in that area while I'm there as well as being a positive presence in the house during this very trying time.

I would like to ask if those who care to would pray for my friend and their family.  I thank you all.

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Readers Comments

mdadlaza wrote: What a sad story for a woman with a kind and gentle heart. The story reminds me of Job in the Bible. Job had earlier on showed great faith in God but the devil put him through tough times. God alloed this to happen as a test of faith. Job lost allmhis children, his wealth and health and eventually his wife left too. The bible says Job persisted in his faith in God and never let go. In the end Job got his wealth and health back in abundance. Whatever happens my dear sister church lady,ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS , WHEN THEY DIE THEY GO TO HEAVEN, a place of no sorrow and pain. I commit myself to pray for this lady.
churchlady wrote: Thankyou so much for your comment! Yes, Ella reminds me of Job sometimes. We've all been very grateful for her husband who has stayed the course through this last 11 years. It's been hardest on him, living with a wife who is no longer the woman he married.

Ella is a Christian woman as am I. If the worst was to happen she would be assured a place with her Lord.
JuneBug wrote: I read your story and have already prayed foryou, Ella and husbands. Ella's faithfulness will not go unrewarded no matter what the outcome...God bless you all! :} [hugs]
JuneBug wrote: P.S. I do believe your story does qualify as an act of kindness...You know from my stories that I believe kindness starts with family. Your sister is blessed to have you all...
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: My prayers are with you both. Thanks for being so kind as to go to your friend. Bless you!
brighteyes wrote: I'm with MakeSomeoneSmile....my prayers are with you and your friend and her family...yes, it is a kindness story and it talks about others assisting in need...we are all a big global family connected by our spark of God.
akbj wrote: Your story touched me. I will pray for all of you. I can only imagine how painful this must be for you, yet as believers, you have Someone by your side all of the time.
mdadlaza wrote: Would be glad to hear how our sister Ella is doing after the surgery?
LOVEBUG wrote: I can only see from were God Has put me. I have been blessed with a home, a good husband, enough to eat, and enough money to keep my home warm. But I have been called to love the people of the street. A bleeding heart. I have to admit at times it is very painful and I can not do very much to help any soul. i stood on the street one day and asked God why I did not have to suffer as much as those around me. I started to feel real guilty because I have not been called to suffer like your friend. But the spirit came thru and told me not to feel quilty, but to reach out my hand and touch every soul who stands in front of me and Ask God's Blessing on this soul. So that is what I do. I believe God give peace to the soul and they are able to continue one with what they have been called to endure. God Bless you and all that you pray for. There is no accidents in life.
cinnamonhead wrote: will send prayers your sisters' way. God Bless all of you.

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