“Don’t Mess With My Blessing!”

Posted June 23rd, 2009 by Women of Faith

My best friend Donna was able to acquire tickets to the conference in Boston in 2008, at the last minute, when her friend could not attend. It was the first conference we had attended and it was unbelievable. A few weeks later she was notified that she won tickets for 2009, which would be in Hartford this year. Her daughter works part time for the Marriott and was able to get a great discount for the weekend.

I have never traveled anywhere with anyone, except my son as a child or my parents. It was an experience beyond description. We had looked forward to having time together, as her very busy life as a nurse and caregiver of her grandchildren leaves us little time together. We had no need to talk–just to be.
In January of 2006, I was injured at work and have had 2 rotator cuff surgeries and need a reverse shoulder replacement surgery. I realized that we were sitting in the middle of a row, as we had no choice at the time when the tickets were won. (The fact that out of all the people in Boston she won is amazing in itself.) We got there Friday evening and the section we were in was where chairs were brought in, and we were in the front row. The chairs were connected in two or three together, and (are you ready?) there was a space in between my seat and the one next to me―perfect for the needs of my right arm.

On Saturday, I had had a little too much fun with my right shoulder area and had to bring and wear my cryo-cuff to keep the pain to a minimum. I was devastated, as I had to be “different”. The person in the seat to my right, Kathleen from New York, who had also been in Boston, insisted on helping me with my cryo-cuff, when it needed cold water replaced. I felt like a problem and she said it was great with her, didn’t bother her at all. I said “Well, it bothers me,” to which she responded, “Don’t mess with my blessing!”

It truly was a grand new day for my friend and I, as for many others I am sure. I am praying for the opportunity to again be able to attend a Women of Faith Conference in the future, and in the meantime will pray, as you asked, for your upcoming conferences that all who attend will have their needs met as, I did.

By the way, Mandisa and Luci, I have lost 90 pounds, but am finding keeping it off to be VERY difficult the past few months. As I find myself slipping back to food, I will try to focus on your continuing forward and pray that we can all be successful together.

May God Bless you ALL!!!!!!!!!!!
Valerie W.

Tags: Boston, Hartford, Luci Swindoll, Mandisa