Weeping in Hobby Lobby

I’ve been known to shed a tear or two. I cry at sappy movies. I tear up when listening to the radio. I shed tears when looking at old photographs. A long time ago, a sweet friend wrapped her arms around my shoulders in an attempt to console me and said, “It’s okay. Tears are a gift from the Lord!”

I love shopping at the craft and home decorating megastore, Hobby Lobby. Our son, Nathan, cringes and might feel like crying when we unexpectedly stop in because he knows I can wander that store for endless hours, pushing my cart up and down every single aisle, looking for inspiration and a good deal.

While I don’t remember ever shedding a tear while shopping at Hobby Lobby in the past, I can think of reasons it could happen. Have you ever made a special trek to a nearby Hobby Lobby on a Sunday afternoon, to get those party supplies you’ve procrastinated getting only to realize they aren’t open because it’s Sunday? That might be a good reason to shed a tear or two, since the nearest store is an hour away from my house.

Recently, while shopping for items I just couldn’t live without, my cell phone indicated that a new email was delivered to my inbox. I stopped the cart to check it out. My heartrate quickened as I read the email. Tears began welling up in my eyes. I tried to blink them away, but before I knew it I was weeping in the lamp aisle of Hobby Lobby. Other shoppers must have thought I was cazy. Oh well; it wouldn’t be the first time. Let me explain the tears.

David and I are working on creating a documentary video that highlights our story and how God has used our tragedy to impact others. We’ve sent out letters and emails, asking for people to participate in this project by being willing to be interviewed on camera. That day in Hobby Lobby, I got a response from Jay. Jay was the EMT Paramedic who was a first responder to David’s accident on August 20, 1999. He played a very important role in our journey. He worked hard at keeping David comfortable and kept him awake in the ambulance ride to the local ER. Jay answered David honestly when asked how bad his injuries were; he didn’t skirt the tough question.

We were blessed to get back in touch with Jay and his partner after David was released from the Burn ICU four months after his accident. They transported us by ambulance back and forth to Galveston from the rehab hospital that was closer to our home. Jay even invited us to his wedding a few months afterwards.

Sadly, we’d lost touch with Jay and his wife over the years except for sending annual Christmas cards. When I sent the letter requesting Jay to participate in the video project I didn’t know if we’d hear back from him so I was blown away when he responded. That might help explain the crying in aisle 10 at Hobby Lobby. I’m really not a crazy, crying lady (most of the time).