Warrior.

I just met someone who changed my life.
I had the opportunity to make dinner for a mother of 3 who's youngest daughter (3 years old) was injured in a parade that Victory took part in over the weekend.
I arrived at her house with Pasta, Salad, Bread & dessert in hand. I had also picked up a bright "Get Well Soon" balloon and a card for the little girl. I was thrilled to be able to bless this family who I had never even met personally.
I was greeted at the door by a very sweet woman. Her three children were running down the stairs as I stepped inside. Laundry was piled on the couch and the house was strewn with the remnants of life with three small children.
I had learned that her husband had been killed in combat so I thought nothing of the look of the house. What I was struck by was how comfortable she was with me being there. She did not seem awkward for one moment, but instead was very welcoming and transparent. As we made smalltalk the youngest boy burst in and began to make conversation with me. I asked his age and he said he was 8. His brother came in and told me he was 13. My heart ached for a moment at the thought of these two boys not getting to experience these pivotal years of their life with their father.
The mother and I talked a little more as we watched the 3 year old, arm in a cast, play with her new balloon. She mentioned that her little girl had always been a daredevil, and had other visits to the ER prior to this most recent one. She talked about how she behaved in the ambulance and at the hospital and in the midst of the story she mentioned that the little girl is Autistic and non-verbal. Wow. My heart once again was moved.
As we said our goodbyes I told her to let us know if she needed anything else. But even as the words left my mouth I was acutely aware that in the big scheme of things I was so small and had so little to offer such a woman. As I got into my car I thought about all that she has to offer to me. A woman like that is inspiring. She is strong in ways I cannot even imagine trying to be. She is joyful in the midst of circumstances that I would struggle to muster a smile in. She is a survivor. A warrior. And it is I who was blessed by taking her dinner tonight.