The Rowe Tribe

The Rowe Tribe
2012

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Grandma Jane Tells a Story

     After the little ones had gone to bed and I was busy busy working, moving to and fro throughout the kitchen, family room, and laundry...I overheard JB helping Sarah Kelly, who was trying to think of just 4 more questions for her interview writing assignment from Elizabeth Hempton.
Since I missed the suggestions but could from her a tone of wonder and uncertainty in her voice, I listened up when I heard a familiar story being told and especially when I witnessed Scott putting down a book to listen also.
The story was about our dear dear friends who adopted us as "grandchildren" when we were newly weds in Kansas, far from home in July 1993.  This older couple purposely stole our hearts and we adored them and they in turn, us.  Always ones to dole out advice and "suggestions", we were eager for their expertise and knowledge.  Their top priority was to evangelize anyone and everyone.  If they found you a believer, they rejoiced with and for you.  But the point of this story is that they always asked.  It was a mission they were on and advanced for the Lord.
     My husband then related a specific incident in which these 2 dear people were in a car accident which smashed in one whole side of their car.  "Grandma" Jane, who was unable to walk very far without her cane, and hardly at all without it, had to overcome a physical struggle to get out of the car; her side was completely smashed in.  She had to crawl all the way across the seat on hands and knees and mostly drag herself out through the other side of the car and through the window.  The young gal, who caused the accident, was extremely upset and very concerned and contrite since she had run the red light.  Jane hobbled over to this gal just as she was rushing to them and was beside herself wanting to know if this elderly couple was okay.  Jane, bruised and limping, placed her hand on the gal's shoulder, explained that they were fine and asked how she was.  The young girl, who obviously was physically okay, yet visibly shaken, kept telling them she was not hurt but it was obvious she was overcome with emotion at the results of her actions.  Jane prodded further, "No, honey, I want to know if you are okay?  Do you know Jesus?  Is He your Lord and Saviour?
     That day, on the street in the midst of broken glass, a smashed car, and aching bones, an almost 80 year old woman decided that salvation was the most important question to ask and she never missed a beat.  In fact, I have often wondered if that was how she made it out of the car; she had an appointment, an appointment with only one question that needed answering.  She made it her mission to testify about the goodness of the Lord and witness to that gal at the busy intersection of 75th and Belinder in Prairie Village, Kansas.
     This story impacted my daughter, a fellow believer, tonight, in 2013, almost 20 years after the incident occurred.  She has been pondering it ever since.  In the days to come, I expect we will hear questions, wanting to know more about this salvation pursuer, more about their dear walk with the Lord, and more about our relationship with them which continued on this earth until Jane's passing onto her heavenly reward on November 15, 1998, and Davis's  passing in November, 2006.  While Sarah Kelly never had the opportunity to meet Grandma Jane in this life, she will rejoice with her in heaven, no doubt being highly entertained with wide-eyed wonder at the stories she will tell.
     Now, what do you think the question was that my husband suggested to Sarah Kelly that she include in her interview for writing class?