I traveled
to the northern part of the U.S.A. to do a book reading/signing at a Barnes & Noble bookstore for Outshine: An
Ovarian Cancer Memoir, and to
seek future opportunities to spread the word about ovarian cancer. The audience
consisted mainly of friends, but four strangers were there because of God’s
plan or purpose. One woman read about the event in the newspaper, which had a
two-sentence announcement. She was a 14year, Stage III or IV survivor. “When I
was diagnosed, I didn’t think I’d see another Christmas.” We talked for a while
then hugged each other knowing we were sisters doing what we could to help
other women.
There was a
woman in the front row sitting alone. Each time I looked in her direction, her
eyes were on me and with a beautiful smile on her face. While I signed a book,
I learned that she came to get information for her neighbor, who was recently
diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her neighbor did not feel well enough to come,
so this young lady gave her neighbor the gifts of kindness, generosity, and time.
God bless them both.
“Please sign
my book for a dear friend who has ovarian cancer. She planned on coming
herself, but was unable to,” were the words from a smiling elderly lady. When I
handed a book to her I noticed a brace on her left wrist. I gently placed my
hand on it, and she said, “Oh, my husband has Alzheimer’s and he….” I wrapped
my arms around her and told her that she was an angel, because she helped
people in need; her friend and her husband.
The third
lady, named Jane, was in Barnes & Noble to buy some books to read on her
trip to Ireland the next day. While she browsed the shelves, she heard my voice
over the microphone, and being drawn to the subject she stood in the back and
listened. She bought the last copy of my book at the store. She pulled a
photograph out of her purse and said, “Here is a picture of me and my mother.
She died 4 months ago from ovarian cancer.” Tears rolled down her cheeks and
she shared how much she missed her mother. We were once two strangers, but now
new friends. Just listening to her talk about her mother, my shoulder to cry
on, and my arms around her appeared to be all she needed right then.
There is no
doubt in my mind that God led each of these women to be at that particular
bookstore that night and at that time. I will never be able to thank God enough
for bringing them into my life. They each demonstrated different ways God works
through each of us. Often we call it serendipity. Thank you, God.
~What another
powerful message from a very special woman and author. To learn more about
Karen Ingalls visit the following links:
Be sure to
return tomorrow for more words of inspiration as I interview Karen Ingalls.
You’ll have a chance to take advantage of a very special offer.
Karen Ingalls’s book Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir will be available at a 40% discount from Wednesday March 6 thru Wednesday March 16.
Visit BeaversPondBooks.com and
type the word "Outshine" in the coupon box. Enjoy!
