After listening to this week’s episode, Heleine texted me her reaction,

“Yes, a lot of crying, but also joy and praises. Crying… laughing… cry/laughing – like life,” she said. How true that is.

“And here comes God,” she texted, “with more stories like what I am going through now.”

Heleine is, unfortunately, in a season of tears again. She lost a friend and

neighbor to the fire that razed her building.  I talked to her just a

bit ago, and she was allowed to see her condo today. It’s a huge, wet

mess. But her clothes and wardrobe, although damp, are not destroyed.

And her writings, the product of years, are intact. Awesome news!! She

can’t retrieve them yet. But, she knows that day will come. So, she’s

making it, one day at a time. And she's still smiling, even though it’s

hard in the in-between..

Even now, her focus is on the families and children who also lost their homes, on her friend who lost her life. She is busy finding opportunities to comfort them, however she is able.

She’s riding the wave, staying close to those who love her, reaching out to those who need her. Practicing thankfulness–for a place to stay. For the miracles that happen every day.

After the fire, that same day, Heleine and Mom Jane(the woman from church who has been

Heleine’s adopted mom for the last 17 years) got a call from the police saying that she had 20 minutes to get back to the apartment to take what she could. Do you know what she grabbed? 

A picture of Mom Sarah.

And her nursing certificates and diplomas that lined her hallway wall, so

artfully framed and hung with love by friends from Heleine’s church.

She said she’ll make it through, she’s not worried. Just waiting. And THAT is hard. Talk about resilience and trust.

In this episode, Heleine’s story continues. She handles significant troubles, the legacy of an incredible mother, and a big dream that would not die. This episode is difficult and searing in a few places. One particular part surprised me, and will probably surprise you. I wasn’t expecting the rawness that Heleine brought into our conversation.

These moments made clear to me the sacredness of the space that Heleine and I built for one another. Like something way bigger was happening. Heleine has since given a name to that sacred thing. It’s called is healing.

Mom Sarah’s legacy is alive and well, I think. I’m watching it happen, right in front of my eyes.