The time of year has come where many lately, are
remembering Judy Driver ~ "Bird That Sings". This wonderful WAVE soul left us a year ago, on
November 20th, 2006. When she left this world to go home, she left behind a legacy that is filled with
emotion, sweet stories and beautiful memories. She had a tremendous impact and a gossamer-like
presence that still reverberates through every soul she touched. I was not fortunate enough to come
to know her in this earthly place as our paths did not cross much, but I am moved through every story
and memory I hear. Through what I have come to know, the light she carried has become
obvious to me, and I can feel her beautiful spirit through all that others so sweetly share with me.
One year ago, I was blessed to be chosen by Betty, to formulate the first newsletter as the new
editor, and include a piece written about Judy. With so many things happening in my life, that task
never was completed, to my regret and dismay. Forgive me friends as I endeavor to grow and
become better with each breath I take. So following, I am now taking the opportunity to finally do so.
It is a year later, but perhaps a good time to remember Judy and memorialize that with which
personified love to so many, in a lovely human being...and right near the anniversary of Judy's return
home, as well as her birthday.
Also, with Christmas coming just around the corner, Janet's wonderful and eloquent memorial to
Judy, reflects the kind of beauty and love that Christmas represents...through the hearts and love of
Judy and those closest to her.
So without further adieu, I now give you that which has even touched my heart: An introduction to
this memorial by our sweet Barbara Poole - in her own way with a letter to Judy, and a BEAUTIFUL
remembrance by Janet Storm which she wrote last year. After these pieces, I am including a link to a
really beautiful multimedia memorial to Judy, done by Rita. Enjoy my friends, and let us pray that
Judy feels our love, and lives on now at home, in peace and joy. She is an incredible soul, that will be
very missed.
~~~~~~~~
After the beautiful memorial pieces to Judy, is a very special piece, which I am proud to also show
you now. Last year, I approached Rose to write a piece about the "Spirit of Giving" for our
Newsletter. I asked Rose, because her beautiful heart and giving spirit to me, are the embodiment of
this phrase. Rose gives of herself in love, to so many, without wanting anything in return. Rose does
this, because she has such deep faith, and a desire to believe, to find good in everyone, and a love
that I have been blessed and grateful to be a part of. Rose touches *everyone* she meets with such
tenderness and a profound impact. She gives SO much love, and is SO very loved as well. Our dear
Rose faces many challenges right now, including Cancer. Yet, she manages to handle this with
incredible courage and dignity, and still reaches out with her heart to others. She calls herself in her
email handle "jesusgirlnm" (meaning Jesus Girl in New Mexico)...and it does her justice, because
Rose truly aspires to follow after the love and giving of Jesus...and I know He smiles too at the
beauty of her soul.
I thought it so divinely inspired and wonderful that I can share this beautiful piece that Rose wrote...
with you now, my beloved WAVEs family. Even more so, I thought it divinely inspired that Rose
recently had posted for her, about her own healing and miracle; so I am including this here as well.
"There are no coincidences" and having all of these things come together now, is like perfect music.
We can remember Judy with love, and then encourage and support sweet Rose through her trials. I
know Judy is watching over her too, and rooting her on as we are. You can do this Rose, ***WE***
ALL believe in you.
God Bless you Judy and may you be smiling for us all. Your presence on Earth touched so many! May
you be peace at home in the arms of Our Father!
Happy Birthday in Heaven, beloved Judy! (December 16)
God Bless you Dearest Rose! WE are blessed with you. You are an inspiration to us all! We all Love
you!
I Love You, Rose.
I'm writing to you today to let you know that you're
remembered with such fondness and never-ending love. I've been thinking of you so much, especially
lately. More than a year has passed since you went Home.
I was talking with our good friend WAVE Rita the other day, reminiscing about all the laughter and
fun we had with you on the earth plane. We spoke of the *unconditional* love you shared, even when
someone was having one of "those" days. "Being human", we eventually found ourselves in tears,
because we miss you so much. After a couple of minutes of silence we could imagine your reaction to
it all. We heard you saying, "Come on you little termites! I'm still right here!" Then adding, "I'm
smiling." We laughed after reminding ourselves of this, knowing that's exactly what you'd want us to
be doing. We concluded that you were truly unique in the way you interacted with each person you
met.
That got me thinking back to when you and I first met late in 1999, at "Betty's Sun Porch" chat
room. I cherish those times that we chatted and got to know one another, prayed, emailed, and
shared jokes. We even had "pity parties" that always ended in laughter and joy at spending time
together. Of course coffee, tea, cola and snacks were always included too! LOL We tried to help
others that came to spend time there, sometimes till the wee hours of the morning. You called this
brainstorming. You didn't claim to have all the answers, but you knew in your heart and spirit, that
the only answer was LOVE. You told me once, life may change, but our spirits are still the silly,
precious ones they always were. Now, more than ever, I know this is true.
I have an email I saved that was sent out to all WAVEs, requesting assistance in creating a
"newsletter". It's purpose was to help all WAVEs feel a part of one other. You closed the letter in a
way, that for me, personifies all that I love about you. It reminds me how you lived your life on earth
and how you shared your love with others. You asked God to bless us and thanked us for all we do
for humankind and then added: "Have a wONEderful weekend, and may "LOVE ONE
ANOTHER," be in your every thought/heart, as you speak with all those who you come in contact."
Love one another. Yes. It's always been the answer and you delivered that message from God every
day. Thank you "Birdie" for being a part of my life here. You're an inspiration, and I want to be like
you, when I grow up.
I Love You.
*Eternal* Love & As Always, Big Hugs ~ Barb/Prairie
P.S. I'm sure you're very busy helping and loving as you always do, but if you get a moment, please
give Jesus a hug for me too.
Song of the Bird Eternal ~ Memories of a Judy Driver
Christmas By Janet Storm / December,
2006
“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love
you make.” – Paul McCartney
Every once in a blue moon, a person
crosses our path who is so extraordinary, so significant, so essential to the enrichment of our soul,
that there is absolutely no doubt they are a gift from Heaven. This is the kind of person we wake up
and thank God for every day. Judy Driver was and is that person, not only to myself and countless
people affiliated with Embraced by the Light and Waves, but especially to those closest to her – her
family.
Judy lived her life to love and comfort others. Her kindness, compassion, her optimism and sense of
fairness, her understanding of the human condition and the knowledge that we are spirits in the
material world was beyond inspiring. Judy knew with every fiber of her being that one day, we would
all take off our “space suits” and return to our actual home. A conversation with Judy was like a hot
bubble bath on a cold day.
I came to know Judy in 2001 during the darkest and most difficult period in my life. Judy and I
became very close through email and phone calls. It became immediately clear to me that we were
kindred spirits. We spoke the same language. Our world view and fields of interest were similar.
Her ability to understand, love and forgive even those whose behavior was nothing short of atrocious
astounded me over and over again. Her humor was unshakeable. She was my mentor and a star in my
heart.
Always, always…when I found myself bewildered and confused by this incarnate life, Judy was able
to speak exactly the necessary words to help me reach clarity or at least to have faith that all would
be well. And though I did not always believe, Judy did. And that was enough for me. I believed
because she believed. She really could take a sad song and make it better. She was like a mother to
me.
But this story is not about me. This story is about Judy and the family whose lives she touched, and
who touched hers in return. No man is an island, and even the most emotionally evolved and
spiritually mature people need loved ones around them to nurture and strengthen their souls.
Judy chose her husband, Ken, and her children, Ronda, Cindy and Keith, on whom to shower her love
and with whom to share her life. And I have come to understand why. It seems that nowhere in the
world is there a family warmer, more caring and unconditionally loving. Through Judy, they have
become like family to me too. And I love them all dearly.
Christmas was Judy’s favorite time of year, not simply for the ambiance and tradition, but because it
was a natural match for her nature and her spirit, and because it represented and held the promise of
her deepest wish for mankind – the wish for unconditional love between all people while we are still
here, on Earth.
The fact that Judy crossed over immediately before the holiday season is simultaneously harsh and
sublime. Life’s closets are often overflowing with these paradoxes. I can’t think of a more difficult,
nor a more beautiful time for Judy to have gone. For Ken, Ronda, Cindy and Keith, it has no doubt
proven to be one of most momentous challenges they have ever had to, or ever will, face in this
lifetime.
Cindy shared with me that one of the ways the family took the edge off of the pain this Christmas
was to sit together and reminisce about Judy - to trade stories and rekindle memories. To laugh and
cry together and to include Judy in the holidays, even though they all knew full well that Judy was, in
fact, there with them.
Judy saw Christmas and the holidays as an opportunity to shower love and affection on her family.
Her husband, Ken, remembers, “She had a deep love for everyone. Even in the lean years she always
made Christmas special with her outpouring of love for me and the kids and grandkids. She gave of
herself through the crafts she made and gave away as gifts to all family members. The smile on her
face watching everyone open their gifts was overwhelming at times, and almost every Christmas I
would shed tears of joy.”
“Mom always "outdid" herself to make it special for all of us,” says eldest daughter Ronda. “She had
the perfect tree....with a perfect memory for every ornament. I can remember the smell of her cream
cheese cookies baking, and how the simplest of gifts were decorated so beautifully, that we really did
not care what was inside.”
“It was always all about giving with my mother,” adds daughter Cindy. “The presents were
irrelevant. It was the sharing of love that mattered the most to her and she expressed this by
knocking herself out to give us all the best possible holiday in every way each year. And every year,
she outdid herself.”
Each Christmas, the Driver-Vonalven-Byerline family would cram into their front room, and open
each gift one by one. Despite the fact that money was always in short supply, the gifts were fine. But
the biggest gift was just being together in a house full of laughter and love, celebrating Christ’s birth,
and basking in the unity of all they loved dearest - each other. It was never about money with Judy.
Love was her currency and her gift. It was never about what others could do for her. It was always
about what she could do for them.
“Mom went out of her way to make memories for us. It is what mom loved most. We are very lucky
and blessed to have such a woman share so much love with us, and that is what we will miss most,”
reflects Ronda, “that unconditional love that moms feel for their children.”
Indeed, Judy’s family was paramount to her. But her love did not end with them. According to Cindy,
“Mom loved her job at the Dollar General Store because she saw so many of our (the kids') friends,
and also a lot of her own. She was so amazingly kind to others - even perfect strangers. She would
talk to them for hours if they would let her. She was just that way."
Judy’s family will acutely feel her loss in the physical, no doubt, for the rest of their days and
especially at Christmas. However, her spirit will endure – in reality and in their memories. Judy
Driver is very much alive and well. She still exists. And her family finds comfort in the fact that,
though they are separated for now, they will all be reunited with her soon, and then, every day will
be Christmas.
Judy Driver was, in my opinion, an angel. She helped and inspired so many people. Her humility and
selflessness and witty peacefulness made me want to be a better person. She made me want to be
more like her. Though Judy’s position with Waves and EBTL put her in public view, she never sought
the limelight or to enrich herself for her own personal gain. All Judy Driver ever wanted to do was to
make people happy, alleviate suffering, and to make the world a better place.
And she did. She embodied the true meaning of Christmas. Judy, in many ways, WAS Christmas. And
if Paul McCartney’s words hold any truth (as I believe they do), Judy is now a very, VERY rich lady.
I am sure, without a doubt, that she is smiling even now as I write this.
I love you Judy Driver.
We all do.
Here we have for you a VERY beautiful tribute/multimedia slideshow to Judy Driver, done by our sweet WAVE Rita. Just press play and enjoy.
If you have trouble viewing this movie, go to the Adobe Flash website and upgrade your player. Also, here is a direct link to the slideshow just in case:
go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEKIa-o0n5s
“Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind.” –
Kris Kringle ~ Miracle on 34th Street
As I was preparing for this article, I
asked the Lord for guidance, and what He would have me write about. One thing became very
clear: We have all received from God in many ways in our own individual lives, and if we are to be
good stewards of the blessings we receive, we must continue to give.
If you look around at the movies that reflect this season: “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas
Carol”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, even the comedy “Scrooged”, people are drawn to these movies
because they are looking for hope. They are looking for love and acceptance. Every one of those
movies is about how love and generosity touch and change lives. That’s what this world is hungry
for. That’s what we can give back.
I read the “About WAVEs” page on
Betty’s site, and realized she had really hit the nail on the head about what WAVEs are all about.
Not all of us post on the WAVEs Board, or we come and we go, but the spirit of being a WAVE is all
about giving. Our time, our talents, our love and our faith.
We all have different “appointments” in life - we all have different “blessings”. But one thing we all
have in common are love, faith and the power of prayer. As Judy Bird That Sings always said, “there
are no coincidences”. We were all drawn to Betty’s book “Embraced By The Light”, whether we
picked it up ourselves, or it was given to us. Something in our spirits awakened with the knowledge
that Jesus is Love, and that if we are to be like Him, we must walk in love to accomplish our own
missions here on this earth.
God Himself gave US gifts. Galatians 5:22-23 quotes the Fruits of the Spirit, those things that we
are given as we learn to walk in love: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Against such there is no law.”
In a world that is so troubled with war, with poverty, with discouragement, broken families and no
purpose in individual lives, those of us (WAVEs) that have gifts to give back must now do so with
more zeal than ever. “What The World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love” was never more
true.
Each of us should go in prayer to the Father above, and ask Him, “is there more I can do?” He will
bring it to mind. And we must know in our hearts, that whatever the Father asks us to do, He will
equip us to do.
If each of us would hold a vision this coming year, “to do more” and do it with the empowerment of
God’s Will in our lives by going to Him to ask, how much more could we touch this fallen world with
the love and hope of God above?
So many lost and hurting people come to the Prayer Board. Let’s earnestly pray for them! Let’s
reach out and make contact with them in their lives. Write to them - give them the hope that they
matter. Share with them your similar experience and how the Lord brought you through it. Help
them turn to faith. Plant seeds.
Look in your community - if you look, you will find the single moms and dads struggling to provide for
their children. Share your time, your energy, your money if you are able, and help them in an
unexpected way. Invite their children to come along to community events with yours. Look for the
lonely elderly. Visit with them, take them food, invite them to church, or take them shopping. Look
for the hopeless sitting on the back row at your church or community events…speak to them.
Although this may be hard on those of us who struggle ourselves financially, you can always join with
an organization. Help prepare or deliver food boxes to the poor. Make a phone call to someone who
would least expect it. For those of us in large cities, visit the sick in hospitals. I once heard of a
program where they asked people to come in and rock and nurture little babies born with drug
addictions. The comfort of loving arms is always welcome.
In our own lives, offer forgiveness to someone who really needs it, but may not be strong enough to
ask for it. Offer your time, or send an inspirational book to a woman or man who is on the wrong
path, but seeking a change. Be a Big Brother or Sister. Write a letter to the person who turned
YOUR life around, thanking them and inspiring them to keep making a difference, and vow to “pay it
forward”.
In this last year, we have seen lives changed, as the body of WAVEs banded together, and worked
individually, to make a difference. We have offered hope where there was none. We have offered
strong hands and shoulders to those who were crumbling under the weight of despair. We have made
a difference. We have made for ourselves, a new “family” within the WAVEs, and we have prayed
for one another, and reached for one another in a deeper way. There are “elders” among us, people
who have been a real example of what loving their brothers and sisters really means. Judy "Bird That
Sings" was such an elder. But she empowered so many others by her example to step up to the plate.
Let us nurture the “younglings” among us, empowering them by our example, our faith, and our love,
to go out into the world with renewed hope and faith. We’ve seen miracles happen among us, and
among those we have helped along the way.
And now, at Christmastime, is the perfect opportunity to give back all the Lord has blessed us with.
Reach out into that world - the Lord will not fail you when your heart feels faint, the Lord will make
you strong enough to hold another up.
WAVEs, I’m so honored and proud to be a part of such a beautiful group of spirits. Let us go to the
Lord, and ask Him what more we can do for His Purpose. And at this time next year, we will look
back and know the Lord blessed each of us as well, with deeper meaning and purpose, and that He
smiles upon us.
And so I’ll close this article with the quote Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give
unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid.” John 14:27
Christmas is the celebration of the Greatest Gift we will ever receive. It is a Miracle of Love that
we didn't even ask for. So, let us go forward, not waiting on miracles, but BECOMING one for
someone else, in the Name of Love.
Merry Christmas with Love,
To All My Angel Brothers and Sisters!
My friends, it is hard to type because of nerve damage
(temporary) to left hand, but I'm better now! I had asked my friend (Dawn M.) to type this FOR me,
and I want to send it to all of you who have been praying for me. I wanted you to know, although it is
hard yet to "write" {BIG SMILE HERE} !
Love, Rose
Date: November 26, 2007
Dear WAVEs Family,
Rose has been healed.
Her friend came over and was very upset that Rose looked to weigh about 90 pounds. The friend
begged that Rose allow her to take her to the hospital. In the driveway, Rose got very ill and
vomited. Her friend called 911.
In the Emergency room a "visiting" doctor that Rose believes may have been an angel appeared and
told Rose the problem was in her pituitary gland. She said the gland was radiated along w/ the cancer
and lacked important hormones. Then, the doctor disappeared. No one else saw the angel- not Rose's
friend- none of the nurses- and none of the other doctors including the attending physician. Some
Christian friends visited that day and reminded Rose of the story of Philip and the angel. Philip had
prayed for help for 21 days. Just when it didn't seem God was answering his prayer, 21 days later,
the angels showed up. When Philip asked why did it take so long, the angel replied "Your prayer was
answered the moment you prayed....we have been fighting the opposition to deliver it and in battle
for you for 21 days.
During the night, Rose cleaned her spiritual closet (removing any opposition to the work of God. She
prayed deeply for forgiveness for every thing/person/circumstance etc brought into her awareness.
She the spoke aloud audibly and said "SATAN! You cannot have my life! You cannot have my
children! You cannot have my family and friends! You cannot have my church!" Then, she fell asleep.
Tests were run and the diagnosis by the angel/doctor were correct.
The next day a nurse arrived (a real nurse, not an angel) with medication containing the hormones
Rose needed.
Rose is eating, gaining weight, bathing by herself, and walking around. She wants to go dancing! She
gave her testimony in church. She sounded WONDERFUL on the phone to me. She ate a hamburger
tonight!!! A HAMBURGER and it tasted SO GOOD!
Rose said she is 98% back to her original state of health. Her hand is still very numb though and
typing is difficult and that is why she asked me to relay her healing message to you.
May God continue his healing work in our precious and beloved Rose.
May glory be given to Almighty God through his son Jesus Christ for the healing of this precious
precious spirit.
It was the day after Christmas. The air felt robust and when the
wind blew it moved through you with speed and power. I drove along the dark two-lane highway in
my little wisp of a red car. I was anxious and full of energy. I was on the way to pick up the man I was
dating from a bus station about two hours from my home.
I could hardly contain my enthusiasm, I was so excited. I was also anxious because I was running very
late and did not want to leave him waiting at a cold bus stop for me. I drove along but I knew I was
going a little fast. My excitement combined with my worry was making me a bit lead-footed. But I
was thankful the speed limit on the interstate was 65, so I knew I could make better time.
I had my music loud, lifting my spirits as the dark, long, and cold road stretched out ahead of me.
Suddenly my cell phone rang. Through static I heard the voice of the man I was going to pick up. My
heart leapt at the sound, but also a feeling of guilt and worry came over me, as I thought at first he
was calling to tell me he had arrived early and was waiting for me.
To my dismay the first thing he said was..."I have some bad news honey." (Uh oh) Now of course,
being the worry-wart I am, this worry overcame me and I was wondering anxiously what is wrong.
He proceeded to tell me that the bus had some mechanical problems and that they then ran into some
bad traffic jams. He would be about four hours or so late! Wow! My heart sunk at having to wait to
see him, but at the same time, I was relieved that he would not be sitting and waiting for me in the
cold. I was glad the pressure was off. It would not be so bad waiting for him because at least I had a
warm car to sit in. My foot lightened off the petal slightly and I thought about how I would spend
those four hours waiting.
I was trying to think of things to pass the time, so I pulled off the exit and stopped at the gas station.
I then grabbed a bite to eat. Lastly, I pulled across the street where there were a few stores and
shopped at one or two for some small things.
I ran back to my car when I was done and drove back to the interstate and proceeded along the quiet
highway for many miles as the wind started to pick up.
The road started to climb in elevation and the wind got swifter as it made my tiny car sway from time
to time. I had to brace both hands firmly on the steering wheel as I drove along.
As I continued on, I felt the pressure off now as I knew I did not have to rush. I could take my time,
bite at my chicken sandwich now and then, listen to my upbeat music, and at least enjoy the ride
through the cold, winter, mountain area. I slowed down a lot.
My phone rang again and this time it was my father saying hello. We chatted briefly and then he
asked me to drive safely as he knew the oncoming weather, and we would talk soon.
The wind picked up more and more and now I noticed flakes of snow falling from the sky. First they
were sparse and infrequent. Then more and more flakes started to come down, even quicker. The
flakes were rather large and the wind picked up even more. Within minutes the scattered flakes
turned into a fast flurry. I looked out ahead of me with trepidation, wondering if a storm was coming
in and dreading the ride as my car does not do well in inclement weather.
The road seemed okay though because it was still fairly clear even though the dusting was there. It
just kept blowing around a lot. I picked up my cell phone again and put in a call to my brother to
check the weather on the internet for me, and see what lay ahead of me. He said it indicated just a
small flurry and not to worry...no accumulations. We hung up and I felt relief. Had the bus not been
late though, I still would have been speeding. But I kept on at a slower speed and took another quick
bite of my sandwich. I felt more relaxed now. I had no idea what was about to happen to me or why.
Reflecting on it now, I know it was God's work and miracles happen every day.
Looking out before me at the windy, dark, and snow-dusted road, I felt calm. I was mildly concerned
but I knew it was nothing I couldn't handle. I had slowed to about 50mph or so.
Suddenly about an eighth of a mile ahead of me it happened! An SUV suddenly started to brake and
slip and it spun out of control. My heartbeat raced as I felt like it was nearly in my throat, and I felt
my adrenaline kicking in. I knew this was a pivotal moment, but had little time to think.
The SUV wound up doing a 180 degree turn and slid off into the grassy (now snow-covered) median.
Thank GOD the highway was divided and the car had a place to slide off to. Immediately my reflexes
took over and I started to brake VERY slowly. My instincts knew if I braked too quickly that I would
end up the same way. So I braked more and more, gently, until the car slowed to a near halt. I too,
slid a bit as I braked, but only enough to scare me a bit, but retained control of the car.
I started to pull off the road a bit to the right side (the SUV of course on the other), and as I did, I
noticed another car just ahead of me pulling off the road too. We were about five hundred feet apart
when we both stopped. I guess we had the same idea as I was worried that the driver of the SUV was
okay. But as my heart started to regain its slower beat and my relief washed over me, to my great
surprise, I was to find that it was not the end of it.
Suddenly another SUV coming up all of us, about a quarter of a mile back, started sliding and
spinning out of control. I gather he saw all of us and started to brake. When they realized there was
little or no traction, they panicked and spun out of control. This car too did a 180 degree turn and
spun off into the median the same way as the other car had done. I and the driver ahead of me, and
likely the other SUV driver, all watched in fear and concern. I knew we were all likely thinking the
same thing! What if some car starts to brake, slides out of control and hits one of us, perhaps even a
person who was outside of their car?!?!
I threw on my thicker gloves, closed up my coat good, wrapped up my scarf, and hoped my heeled
boots would be okay for this. When I stepped out of my car the bitter, cold wind whipped in my face
and I felt it run its icy fingers through my body immediately.
Both the other driver ahead of me and I (I will call him the "Good Samaritan") ran across the road
quickly. I knew we both feared being out there right now.
We both ran swiftly to the first car close by, and asked him if he was okay and offered help. It turns
out “Good Samaritan” had one or two burly guys with him who ran over too, and the driver also had
someone with him. I assured the driver we could push him out, and even told him my strength was
comparable to a man; so we would get him out no problem. I knew I could put in my share of strength
as I was blessed with a very strong back and legs.
So I yelled to the guy to keep putting his foot lightly on the gas and make the car slowly rock as we
pushed. Slowly the rocking and the pushing gave it momentum as I felt the cold wind whip up in my
face again. The car kicked up some snow at me chilling my body, as I pushed with all my might and
said a silent prayer to God to help me push. I also prayed none of us would get hit by another
skidding car.
Then it happened. The car started to move and take forward momentum. We pushed and pushed and
followed the car forward as it slid slowly up the slight incline in the median. He skidded, slid, and
steered, but it finally made it up onto the road, sliding at first, and then coming to a stop. We let out a
cheer and my heart soared. I wasn't quite sure at the time why.
The guy then turned around as we all watched in worry, hoping another car would not come down the
highway yet. I yelled to him to pull in front of me as my hazards were flashing on and his were not
working. He then jumped out and all of us went down to the other car.
This driver and his friend had been helping us all push too. So now it was his turn. The driver got in, I
yelled to him to make it rock, and we all pushed again with all our might. Once again the car made it
up to the road and too turned around and regained traction. We all cheered once more, and again I
felt the elation inside. I walked over to the driver. I shook his hand, wished him a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year, and told him to take it slow with a smile on my face. He vigorously shook my
hand and smiled and offered an emotional thanks to me. I was the only one I think who did this, but I
had this intense, unknown feeling in me that I had to share.
I then ran up to the other driver's car and did the same, and received the same response. I think that
surprised them for some reason. I was anxious to go on driving slowly as I worried that all of us being
there would make other drivers slide off the road. We all slowly pulled away, very carefully, and with
our hazards on (save for the one guy whose hazards did not work--get them fixed buddy!!!) I am sure
we all drove on thankful from the depths of our souls that we were all okay.
As we started to pull away another car sped out of control, but this was about a half mile ahead of us.
I heard a loud crack and I knew his car had hit the guardrail pretty hard. It must have done some bad
damage as you could hear this crack and crash loudly from where we were, but he must have been
okay. When we drove on and reached the point where he had been, he was gone. He had driven
away, so I was thankful that he was probably okay.
So now my heart was pretty fluttery and I was a bit nervous. There were a few accidents that had
been accumulating up to that point! I drove about 15-20 miles an hour, and kept my hazards on for
the next hour and a half as I drove. I knew I wasn't going to take any chances.
It turned out, that about another mile ahead there was another vehicle that had skid-off the road and
turned around in the median. It was a van, but it looked okay and I saw a person standing outside of
it. I was tired, winded, and nervous and knew I could not push another car, no less a van. So I picked
up my cell and called 911 and told them where he was. Hopefully he was okay. I prayed for
them.
Further on about two miles ahead, I spotted another accident. This driver was not so lucky. He too
was in the median, but his car was not only turned around, but flipped over on its roof. There was a
fire engine there, an ambulance, and several police cars. My heart went into my throat again and I
prayed for them and hoped they were okay. I also could not help but to think, had I been rushing
more, THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ME!
I saw too many accidents that night. After the flipped car, I saw at least a half a dozen more or so
over the next hour driving down that cold, snowy, and gusty road.
I prayed hard as I drove on and thanked God for sparing me. I thanked God for sparing those other
drivers that I helped. I was glad I could do something to help others, and it felt great. I thanked God
for giving me the chance to feel good about myself again at a very dark time in my life.
I wish now I could thank those drivers. I might have saved them, in part, from being stuck in the
snow, but they saved me just a little. Helping them helped me. It made me feel worthy again. So what
if I had my share of flaws and made mistakes! It told me I am a caring person and I helped people
that night. Somehow in this spiritual, cosmic connection, we all were an important part in each others
lives that day-after-Christmas night!
I truly wanted to thank that bus driver, and even contemplated giving him the biggest hug ever when
I saw him. I wanted to smile at him and tell him he probably saved my life that night for being four
hours late! It was this lateness that slowed me down and kept me from danger that snowy, windy
night. When others probably cursed this lateness; I prayed and thanked God for it. He DOES have
his reasons, though we might not see them. I am counting my blessings right now...for that
night.
Who would think that snowy, windy, cold road, and a few good people, could teach me so much? Who
would think the inconvenience of lateness could be such a blessing in disguise??!! It was a Christmas
gift that I had not asked for, but got. I am deeply grateful from the depths of my soul.
I did not get the opportunity to thank the bus driver that night. But I pray for him/her now. If that
person only knew how they touched the lives of so many others, like the other people I met on the
road that night.
Suffice to say, when the man I was dating walked over to my car, I hugged him with all my might and
thanked him for being on a late bus! He looked at me in surprise but smiled. Later, he too was
amazed at my story...and is now grateful to all of those people on that snowy night.
Remember this to all who read this story! The next time someone is late, the next time a bus or train
or plane runs way off schedule, the next time you have to wait when it is not planned, think about
this. Rather than cursing the time, or getting angry, be thankful and say a prayer. You never know
what the broader picture might be!
Thank you to those SUV drivers who probably saved my life as well as making me slow down. Thank
you to that bus driver for being late! Thank you God, for your unseen, unknown, but incredible
blessings and plans! You have truly given me great gifts. You gave me my own Christmas
Miracle!
The birth of a human into this world is of such great importance.
It signifies the beginning of that soul's journey on this Earth and the start of a new branch of God's
ever-growing plans. So it is here, in this little corner of our newly formatted newsletter, that we shall
take the time to celebrate the birth of those souls that are our dear WAVEs family. Whether you
send someone special greetings, wish them a Happy Birthday, or just say prayers in thanks for the
blessings that each soul gives us, here we will remind you of the Birthday's that are to come, for each
respective portion of the year. God blessed all of us the day that *each* one of you were born.
I take great joy in expressing Happy Birthday to our November, December, January, and February
babies!
Henrietta/Lucy ~~ November 2
Kristen ~~ November 7
Janet Storm ~~ November 13
Heather "Flower" ~~ November 13
David D ~~ November 19
Jacqueline ~~ November 24
Lynne "Rainbow Rancer" ~~ November
25
Heidi Ann ~~ December 6
Todd ~~ December 9
Judy "Bird That Sings" Driver ~~
December 16
Tamago/Eri ~~ December 16
Charles S. ~~ December 18
Kevin ~~ December 18
Sharon Robbins ~~ December 19
Tena ~~ December 24
Tina ~~ January 1st
Sue "Clsue" ~~ January 18
Charlie ~~ January 19
Lily ~~ January 25
Shannon ~~ February 10
~~ A Few Notes:
If your birthday appears in this list and it is innaccurate or lacking a last initial/name, please let us
know. With all the WAVEs, it would be helpful to be able to set apart the many people with like
names, by using either a last name or just the last initial. Also, if you have a birthday in the months
indicated here and it is not listed, please either notify Juan-Marie (our keeper of the birthday list) or
the newsletter staff. We would love to add you, please let us know. Remember, your birthday is also
a blessing to the rest of us and something we would all love to celebrate with you, as well as express
gratitude to our Heavenly Father for.
(With this in mind, if for any reason you would like to have your name removed from this list, please
let us know.)
~~~ Happy Birthday To Our Beloved WAVE Winter
Babies! We Love You & Rejoice With You! God Bless You! ~~~
As the blessed moments of gratitude from Thanksgiving still settle within me, I hear the sounds of Christmas musicals emulate from the television, and it occurs to me how poetic and meaningful that these two holidays should fall back to back. I find it beautiful that we go from being thankful, to finding and being in the spirit of giving. How complimentary these two days are, as long as we keep remembering what they really mean.
It is a year, for me, which I know I do not have a lot, monetarily, to give to my son. But the real feelings and meanings of the entire season keep coming to me through the love and feelings that others give me. Through the inspiration of many, I have decided that I am going to allot more of my time to my son, thus giving him the things that truly matter. His Christmas gift will be the promise and fulfillment of that time. Ten years from now, my heart knows, that he won't so much remember any toys or games, but he will remember the special moments with those he loves, the same as I too remember from my youth. It is a lesson, through many signs I feel God has been passing my way, that I am being moved to pass onto him this year. And the added beauty is that it even becomes a gift to me as well.
I sincerely hope and pray that as we transition from the gratitude in Thanksgiving, to the spirit of giving, via the gift of beloved Jesus given to us on Christmas, that each of us too, can stay focused on that gratitude and giving. So I find myself saying, "I am thankful for my blessings, and wishing and wanting to give of blessings too."
So hence, we come to the meaning and theme behind this edition of our newsletter. In this late Fall, as winter beckons at our door, may we each remember to be filled with gratitude for our blessings, and give of ourselves all that we can. The second theme of this newsletter is also two-fold, and it too falls into that same idea. We are thankful that the blessings of the Seattle WAVEs Gathering, 2007 brought so many loving hearts together and with divine purposes. We hope you have enjoyed sharing in our stories and coverage of such a meaningful event. As we move from that gratitude into giving, there is no better example of that giving, than in a tribute to Judy "Bird That Sings." It is all so perfect, and in perfect timing. But then, isn't that always God's way?!
I hope you have enjoyed this brand new layout that I feel privileged to have created for you. I also hope you have enjoyed the many stories by the many loving and talented souls that have shared with you.
It is also important to me, that I mention to you another important factor in this entire newsletter. While it has much content for you to peruse and enjoy, I owe so much thankfulness and credit to Barbara Poole ("Prairie Barb"). Throughout the long and challenging process of putting all of this content together, Barbara has been what I have now come to call her, the "Angel on my Shoulder." She has spent countless hours co-editing many pieces of writing with me, filling in when I had many things to do or contend with, and most importantly, being a wonderful and true friend. Furthermore, to add to our beautiful theme, a wonderful thing has occurred during the process. I am delighted to express my further gratitude in finding a new and great friendship with Barbara. I am amazed at how deeply we connect, and share so many things in common. I am also moved to have been blessed with ALL of her giving. How serendipitous is that?! There's that theme again; gratitude and giving!
Suffice to say, I could not have gotten through all of this without her help and friendship. I am so grateful that God brought this close and understanding friendship to us both in the process. This Angel has helped me through so many moments. So, thank you, Barb, "Angel on my Shoulder," your help has been invaluable, and your friendship, priceless.
Thank you my friends, and Betty, for allowing me this chance to put all of this together and bring all of this content to you. Thank you also, to all the wonderful people who contributed their reports, thoughts, writing, and hearts into making it so beautiful, and so complete.
God Bless all of you, sweet friends. I hope your Thanksgiving was beautiful and filled with gratitude. I hope the coming New Year is wonderful, and may the nearing Christmas holiday be filled with love, magic, many blessings, and your *own* miracles.
Happy Thanksgiving! (In the spirit of gratitude ongoing)
Merry Christmas!
& Happy New Year!
All My Love, Your New Editor,
Kim Trancynger (KimT/KAT)
As always, be sure to let us know your thoughts at: wavesnewsletter@embracedbythelight.com. And feel free to forward this very special issue to others you think would enjoy and benefit from it.
All Graphic Design, Web
Design, Some Photograhy, & Layout - KAT / ~ Kim Trancynger ~ Editor - KAT ~ Kim Trancynger Co-Editor {& "Angel on My Shoulder"} ~ Barbara Poole (Prairie Barb)
