Sophie came visiting teaching with me on Wednesday to Virginia Shrader's. Virginia is an older woman who is losing her eyesight. When we mentioned that Sophie was with us Virginia started to get emotional, "Well I just wish I could see her," she said. I tried to reassure her by saying that she could at least hold Sophie. Virginia protested and said that she could barely hold up her own hands and she would probably drop Sophie.
So on we went with the lesson. And Virginia continued to exclaim at every sound Sophie made. At one point she reached over to touch Sophie's foot and was just overcome. So when it got close to our departure I said to Virginia, "Before we go, you are going to hold this little baby, we'll make sure of it."
I held Sophie under Virginia's failing grasp, and Virginia was so happy. Then something unexpected happened. Rather than exclaiming to Dani or myself about Sophie's size or sweetness, Virginia looked right down at my little infant and sang "I am a Child of God." It was such a wonderful experience--like a little bit of heaven on earth. And Sophie brought so much joy into Virginia's life.
I only hope it is a preview of what else is to come.
3 comments:
Congrats on the newest member of the Bliss Family. That story is so sweet. I got all tingly reading it. I have heard people say that the reason for babies are so helpless when they are born is 'cause the veil is still very thin with them. I have also heard the same for the elderly.
Congrats on your sweet Sophie. She is a doll.
I just happened upon your blog. I am also LDS. I had a similar experience like this with my first child and an elderly sister in a nursing home. I wasn't planing on stopping to see her, but it happened that way--she was so far gone at that point she couldn't really even talk much--a few mutterings in a very hoarse, quiet voice. Her vision was completely gone. I had the impression that I should put her hand on my baby's head and explain tell her that my baby was there and she was touching her. She wispered "Baby!" and cried sweet tears. It was very emotional and tender. The next week she passed away.
Reading your blog reminded me of that, I haven't written it down, and I should. Thankyou for helping me remember.
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