My Heart has many rooms

I don't have much. Truly: no money, a car that is getting a bit scary (that's another story), waiting to hear about food assistance and healthcare, no family close by, but I have a house. That's an awful lot in today's world.

I can be grateful every day that I'm not sleeping on the streets. That I actually have a choice to sleep in a recliner, on the couch, or in one of five beds that are set up. Seriously, that's comforting. And, that's pretty darn "rich" in a lot of people's books.

Once upon a time, this house was full. During 33 years of marriage, we extended the offer many times to various family members to come live with us if needed. One brother did that for awhile during a job transfer. For various reasons, the offers were turned down and sometimes, the siblings, nieces, nephews, etc. didn't even know that the offers had been made and decisions regarding their futures weren't even discussed with them. That's okay - it's all water under the bridge. We even took in someone else's child for awhile. He's gone now.

That's the way we Holmstroms roll. My mother-in-law was like that, too. And, I'm sure that if you go back and check out family stories on either side of the family tree, you would find out that's just what families do - or did.

So, what am I getting at? Once again, the offer is out there. This time it's a bit different because I'm not related to the family but she's my sister in Christ. I've been praying for her for a very long time (or so it seems). Will she come? Bringing her family with her? I don't know the answer to that - it's all in God's hands.

What's important to me - and to her - is that she knows that if things get truly, truly desperate - she's not going to be sleeping on the streets with her family. She can pack up her car - and come. I have the beds - I have the house - I have the rooms. Someone once gave me hope and love when I was truly desperate - that's why I am still here. Just extending the hand of love.