How far that little candle throws its beams

As I was coming inside the house from a morning walk, my husband met me outside and gave me a kiss good-bye. With his hand on my shoulder, he said, "Don't doubt yourself" like only someone who completely has your best interest at heart can do. I said with a smile, "No worries!" and I truly meant it. I had no worries at that moment. I have made some work decisions and for a brief moment in an earlier conversation with Jon, he saw a moment of self-doubt. Nothing that a nice walk couldn't fix and of course, his loving concern.

I came inside the house and my littlest ones were holding up pudding cups.
"Why not?" I said, "It's calcium." And we ate it for breakfast.

Then I sat down to the computer and in my in box was a forwarded message from my brother. It was titled "Carolina's testimony." I assumed it was another short story for me to review and edit. So, I was intrigued and opened it.

The message read:

Hi Mr. Dobson,

My name is Andrea. I lived in Logan, UT around the corner from your mother Carolina. I moved away in 2005 so I didn't know she had passed away. I recently found an old cassette tape with her testimony on it and I am sending you a copy. I truly loved your mother and when I heard her voice on the tape I knew that she would want you to have it so I found your name in an obituary for Carolina and looked up your address in a google telephone directory. Your wife gave me your email.

I hope you have a great day!

So, I clicked the mouse on the attachment and waited for the download. Reaching to turn on the speaker, I also adjusted the volume.

And then I heard her.

I haven't heard her voice in 2 and a half years. And instantly my eyes teared up as I listened and smiled at her inflections. Being so used to her voice, I could never hear her accent. But I heard it now and for the first time, I understood why all my friends would tell me how cute it was. On this audio, she was speaking in church about God, her children and our families and she sounded nice.

Although I have wished for a few years that I could chat with her again, to get her counsel, I've never really been sad. Just wishful but happy still.

And now I am so happy for many things. But right now for technology and that someone (Andrea) acted on her feeling to spread some kindness. She did it not knowing that someone, somewhere (me) was having a lack of faith in her decisions.

And maybe it would be good to hear from my mom right about now.

I think I'll celebrate by having some more pudding.

The kids are napping...they'll never know.

Hugs,

Laura