On Mother’s Day, Wayne and I picked up some Texas Roadhouse “to go” and took it to my mom’s to enjoy. Then, we took her for a short drive. She hasn’t been out of the house for many months, except to go to doctor appointments or the hospital.

Her car tire was low, so we stopped to get air then parked at Sonic Drive-In for some desserts. This particular store has a great view of the green plains, trees and rolling hills. Quite enjoyable!

When we got ready to go, the car wouldn’t start. Wayne got the waitress to try to jump start it, but the battery was totally dead. No go. Wayne called our friends, Jamie and Ginger and Jamie came right over. The two of them went to the store, got a new battery and replaced it.

OK so the tire (which turned out to have a nail and Wayne had to go get it repaired) and the battery were a big bummer. We could have sat and wallowed in the fact that he had to do all this work and we had to sit in the car for a long time. But instead, I would like to point out some things we are thankful for and a big surprise blessing!

First of course, we were oh so grateful to still be able to spend the day with my mom. She has been battling lung cancer for over a year. To make matters worse, my brother unexpectedly passed away last December. It has been a horrific 5 months for us and this was her first Mother’s Day without him. Thankfully, just a few days before Mother’s Day, we found out that the very large mass in her lungs had gone down. It isn’t gone, but it has shrunk. What a great Mother’s Day gift!

Second, we are thankful that the tire didn’t blow and the battery didn’t die with my mom trying to drive the car (she hasn’t driven since last December). Third, Jamie was home and happy to rescue us! Thank you, Jamie and Ginger! You are the BEST!

Last, but not least, I was a part of a really neat thing that happened just before we left. When I got out of the car to hug Jamie, I notice my shoe was untied. I bent over right behind the car to tie it and there was something shiny on the ground. At first, I was thinking it was a can top. But I leaned over and it was a little, silver ring! I picked it up and it appeared to have 3 little diamonds in it. I knew someone was really missing this ring!

So, I went inside the store and asked for the manager. I told him that I had found a ring and that someone must be dearly missing it and asked him to put it in a safe place until someone comes to claim it. Just then, an employee overheard and yelled, “I think that is my ring!” She had been standing about 10 feet behind the manager and ran up to us, so the manager hid the ring in his hand.

I asked if she could describe it. She said, “It is Sterling Silver, has one large flower in the middle and two little flowers on each side with tiny diamonds.” She continued, “My mom gave it to me. I lost it and I have been SO upset! I couldn’t find it anywhere!” The manager said, “Well, that’s a pretty accurate description!” then he looked at me as if to ask, “Should I give it to her?”

I said, “OK, Cinderella, just like the glass slipper, let’s see if it fits. What finger did you wear it on?” She stuck out her hand and pointed to her right ring finger. He handed it to her and whoa-la! It was hers!

I said, “Give me a hug!” Then I told her, “Happy Mother’s Day! Cherish this ring and your mom, because moms aren’t around forever!” She replied with a huge smile and tears in her eyes, “I know! Thank you!” and I walked out.

Wow! I never would have found this ring and been able to personally return it to this young gal had the battery not died and stranded us there. This ring was nearly under my car and would have easily blown away or washed away next time they cleaned the lot. Thank you, Lord, that what we may otherwise thought of as nothing but a day of things going wrong, we were reminded that we were there for a reason … for many reasons. Thank you for the opportunity to bless others!