The Popsicle Incident

The post below is a real life story. I wrote it out some time back. The telling of the story is a reminder of life and a means of going on with life. Several have heard a bit of what has gone on - here is a sparkling example of living within the consequences of difficulty and the closeness it can bring.

The Popsicle Incident
By LarryG

On January 10, 2006 my wife died due to cancer. Along the way there were many events that showed us how God walks with us on our path. As a result of these “miracles” we praise God for his involvement in our everyday lives.

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Having been admitted to the hospital (again) with the usual low blood counts, there was the additional problem of nausea. Now the nausea itself is not so bad, but the liquid diet was particularly difficult for Pam this time around. She told me how hungry she was and asked if I had any idea when they would allow her to have some food. I did not.

About the second or third day of this nonsense I had gone to work during the day and a friend, Kelly, was sitting with Pam. Pam who rarely complained told Kelly how hungry she was getting. Kelly suggested that she might have a Popsicle.

She said “I’ll ask the nurse, what flavor Popsicle would be good?”

“Grape”, Pam said, “I would really like a grape Popsicle.”

So off Kelly goes to find retrieve a grape Popsicle. On arrival at the nurses station Kelly asks about the Popsicle and is directed to the nearby freezer. Where there is indeed a box of Popsicles. Unfortunately, the box is plainly labeled banana.

So the nurse tells Kelly she can go to other floors to find a grape.

But Kelly says, “I’ll take one of these. If it doesn’t work out I can go hunt for a grape.”

So back to the room Kelly goes bearing the banana Popsicle.

Pam’s face quickly changes from joy to disappointment with the announcement that there was only a box of banana Popsicles available.

“Pam, I’ll go find you a grape one if you want me to,” consoles Kelly.

“This will be fine,” Pam replies, unable to hide the disappointment.

Then taking the Popsicle she tears open the plain white wrapper, and can you imagine the surprise to find a “grape Popsicle.”

“Kelly, were you tricking me?!” Pam exclaimed.

“No, Pam” Kelly replies in surprise.

Then composing herself, Kelly says, “Let’s be thankful for small miracles.”

— © 2006