Pennies From Heaven
When a mother becomes ill, or needs to work in order to help
support the family, oldest sisters sometimes become Junior Moms.
Donna Ronio of Lawton, Oklahoma took on that role when her
mother worked to support her six children. “All my life I have
felt like the guardian of the family,” Donna says, “the one who
fixes things for the people I love.” Thus it was natural that
after the family grew up, Donna still felt that way.
In 2001, Donna read several Internet inspirational messages
regarding pennies. “They were supposed to be little signs from
heaven,” she says. “I started becoming more aware of them, even
looking for them.” On several occasions, especially when she
needed some reassurance, Donna came upon a penny lying in a
parking lot or on a step. She always picked them up. Someone
they seemed more than good luck charms..
Then Donna’s younger sister, Kathy, became seriously ill with a
painful form of cancer. It slowly depleted her energy until she
was finally bed ridden and unable to move. “On our last visit I
told her that I loved her and would be back the following
weekend,” Donna says. “But she passed away before that
happened.”
Donna was consumed with grief, but also with guilt. Wasn’t she
the Big Sister who could fix anything? Had she let her sister
down?
The memorial service was beautiful. Afterwards, as everyone came
out of the church, Donna stopped to talk to a friend of Kathy’s.
“As I turned to walk away, there on the ground just in front of
the toe of my shoe, was a bright, shiny, new 2001 penny,” Donna
says, “the first 2001 I had seen, all fresh and shiny.” Just
like Kathy, she realized. Relief flooded her spirit. Somehow she
knew that Kathy was safe and sound with Jesus, and He had sent a
message to let Donna know.
“Since that day, I have found more 'angel pennies' but none with
the significance of that one, sent to ease my pain,” she says.
Donna misses Kathy, but she knows that they will be reunited
someday.
(C) 2003 Joan Wester Anderson
www.joanwanderson.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home ::
About :: Books ::
Newsletter :: Archives ::
Upcoming Events :: Site Map ::
Media
:: New & Notable |
