Edie was calm and patient. She sat down next to me and told me to hold out my hand. She placed a red glass bead in my hand and held my hand within hers. She said to keep it in my pocket and use it to feel it and hold it, remembering that it represents a drop of Jesus’s blood and to take strength and hope from that. To remember God’s love and protection, and lean on him, in prayer.

It was so special and needed at that moment. Her kindness and compassion overwhelmed me and gave me a glimmer of hope. I treasure this bead now and keep it with me every day. Thank you, Edie.