Chapter 2 of the Strawberry Story

Chapter 2 The Strawberry Story

One seed from the original Strawberry story set the groundwork for this chapter to be written. Even though people die. The legacy of their life can still leave a lasting effect on others years after their passing.

Part 1

When praying or asking for something, expectations are " I need it NOW!" Things take time to grow, and every seed planted grows at different times, as in this seed from the strawberry of faith.

This story is a sample of the result of one of the many STRAWBERRY seeds spread. This strawberry seed has turned into many strawberries. Not all have developed yet; some are developing, or are set to produce at different times in life, or even after the Mother's death. The original strawberry grandpa threw seventy-six years ago. Connects me to this story of the present day. 

Mother has passed on to be with Jesus.  While alive, she spread strawberries of faith throughout the many places she traveled and worked. When a farmer plants a crop of strawberries, they review the seasons and know when the strawberries are ready to be picked. I believe God is the farmer of our lives, and He set this strawberry seed to produce at a certain time in Mother's life. It took years, but God knows when it was ready. Strengthening faith and growing closer to God is a journey.

Part 2

Bringing me into the story of meeting a beautiful family who belonged to the lady Mother met many years ago. One of the many things I have observed about this family is that they are united.   There is unity that I am drawn to.

Part 3

 As each year goes by, generations change, and definitions of families have replaced the family that it once was. Those days are gone and will not come back unless the young people of today see or understand family unity will make them stronger in the long run.  If not, they will continue to run adrift as strangers passing each other.  Only at the end of their lives will they realize they have missed something all these years. They will miss their family unit. Save the youth today and have them bond and connect with relatives of their past and present. It could bring new and fresh happy memories to make their life more fulfilling.

 Part 4

Mother met the monarch of this family at church as she sat in the pew at mass about fifty years ago. When their paths cross and connect because of their love of mass.  They would only see each other at church.  Still, it was a lasting memory for my Mother, and she always spoke fondly of it as she reflected on memories of her youth.  I was far too young to know this lady Mother met. 

Decades passed, and their paths didn’t cross again until forty-seven years later.  My Mother received a call from a friend from years ago. Informing her, this lady had been sick.  This upset Mother.   We found information about this lady, and Mother visited her. What a surprise it was to this lady. Mother remembered the lady, but the lady didn’t remember Mother. 

Part 5

Even if you may think you didn’t impact someone's life. You would be surprised. Your interaction may have had a lasting effect on them. Which that person cherishes for a lifetime.  As it impacted Mothers' memories of the beautiful lady. Not long after reconnecting with this lady, she died.  Going to the funeral brought my mother closer, and the family was so huge. It was packed.  Hearing later from her family, in due time. This woman was a strong, God fearing woman. Who raised her children to be strong in their faith and in their actions? She set a strong foundation in each one of them to build and grow their family with the belief in God and family.  I was brought into this picture after being introduced to this family via a random text from a person saying, “A  person was hungry and had surgery”.  This was before I found out who this family was. I don’t know the person.  When I read this, my first thought was, ”Get it food!”! Asking questions later.”

Which I did. I later found out the person was related to this beautiful day. They had plenty of food and had united around this family member with twenty-four-hour care. So my action wasn’t really necessary. It didn’t matter. It put me on the path to interact with this family, who, at the time, I had no clue who they were.  

Part 6

Action is more important than questions. If you spend so much time asking questions, determining if you are going to do an act of kindness. You pretty much answered yourself. You do not want to do it. So stop asking questions and move on with your life.

Part 7

A shared love of the Mass and Jesus. Brought my family and mine together years later. This beautiful family stepped up through my mother's return of cancer in her last days. They supported and cared for me during my cancer diagnosis and recovery.  I appreciate this family.  I have grown as a person and spiritually.  This is not the end of the story. It is a continued journey. So, as grandpa taught all he knew about God to mother and the rest of his children. Remembering what I learned about Jesus from Mother. I spread the seed of faith in Jesus and the Power of God.

I have no children.  So I am dropping strawberries wherever I cross my path and hope one lands in good soil and grows. Never underestimate your interactions with people you meet in your life. You may reconnect with them years later.