December 31, 2010: Providence comes in sevens... pt 3 of 7

Heaveno!

Tales from the Cancer Center, Chapter 3.

Remember the awesome husband and wife I wrote about last night?  Try keeping up with this piece of the story...

Wednesday was my final day at UC Irvine Medical Center until we find more funding (which we will).  When I first ran into the husband in the hall, he mentioned that his wife was feeling too weak to have music and that I should check back with them the next time they were in.  See, the last time they were in, I was there, so he naturally thought I was around all the time like most employees.  I explained to him that today (Wednesday) was my last day under the Gunther Grant that Arts & Services for the Disabled had written for music therapy.  He looked SHOCKED.  He immediately said, "Well, who can I write a letter to?  I mean, I'm no millionaire, but this can't stop."  At this point we were standing outside his wife's room at the end of the hall way.  I turned around and looked down the hall at the nurses station.  I figured, I'd have him go talk to the Nursing Supervisor and they would send it up the chain of command, but lo and behold, who is standing at the nurses station counter?

THE head admin of the cancer center.

How often is she up on the unit?

Hardly ever.

The administration offices are in a different building altogether.

How many times have I met her or even seen her face?

Twice.

Once at the final planning meeting for the cancer dinner.

The second time?

Sitting at the head table right in front of me as I presented.

I look back at the husband and I say, "Well, HER!"

So, I walk right up to her and she gives me a warm hug like we've been best friends, though we only officially met after the dinner that night.  I tell her it's my last day; we ran out of funding.  She tells me she had no idea.  She then proceeds to say that they just received a large donation two days ago to be put to use wherever they deemed useful, and that she had no idea what she was going to put it towards.

Then, the husband strides right up behind me, and I introduce them, slide out of the way, go back to his wife's room, and tune my guitar to play "The Rain Song."  Meanwhile, over my shoulder I hear the entire conversation take place about what a difference music therapy made for his wife after only one session (completely in line with what I presented about.. music therapy WORKS in its very first treatment... not just music).  I hear the administrator gush and explain how grateful they are to hear that, then I hear the nurse manager chime in at length about the difference music therapy makes on the unit...

... they were ganging up on her!

Fine by me.  That's what you call 'an abundance of proof.'

Sometimes, God SHOUTS.  Being a Native New Yorker, I like shouting.  :-)

Now, do the math.  I'm not supposed to be there on Wednesday.  The admin RARELY is on the unit.  The husband and wife are there for the first Wed in 3 weeks since we were both there last.  We all end up in the same place at the same time.

Anyone remember the stories at the beginning of the summer about me running into the other soccer players?  God seems to know exactly who to put where... and when!

I can tell you what my psychologist friend told me... this is how it works through his lens... I expect these type of events, and therefore, my radar and my beacon are poised and ready.  I have a hard time NOT running into people I know in public events/places because I expect to.


I just call it Providence.  Yep, I have to show up to make it happen, but that's all I do.  I just keep showing up, confident in my faith that God will once again do the rest.

And God delivered again.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you.  May 2011 be simply magnificent for you.  Show up,  work hard, be authentic, and let God handle the rest.  I know 2011 is going to be nothing short of MARVELOUS and MIRACULOUS for the tiny but mighty Ringgold clan, and I begin the year in deep, DEEP gratitude that you will be there with us, and we with you!

God night, and God Year!