66 ~ Moving On

By Kay Heitsch

This time, moving on was more emotional than any of our previous moves.

Our dog had to be put to sleep. Shannon was moving to Ohio State, and I was leaving a great, supportive group of friends. This was also the house where I last saw Todd.

It may sound strange, but leaving that house where Todd had left but never returned was hard. I knew he wasn't walking back through the door. But...

Moving isn’t easy, but thankfully, Bill was still working for the company, and the move would be paid for.

I contacted the realtor who had been showing me around and told her our house had finally sold.

We had decided on the location and school system we wanted. Now to find a house.

We were driving around a beautiful neighborhood. I spotted a home I loved. However, there was no for sale sign in the yard.

I expressed how I loved that house as we were passing. The realtor responded, "That house is empty. It was for sale, but they took it off the market."

After making a few calls, we were able to buy this house. You know me, I believe that God was saving this house for us.

This move emotionally was very difficult. But God in His love made it a little easier, knowing I was moving to this beautiful home.

65 ~ God's Amazing Work

By Kay Heitsch

As time went by, Shannon was about to graduate from high school. I was happy we stayed long enough for her to graduate with her friends. Shannon also belongs to the youth group at church.

Before I became a Christian, Todd asked me to go to this church and attend their youth group. I emphatically said, No. I wanted nothing to do with religion. Now here I was helping at the same church with the youth group. God works!

When Ruth Ann asked me to help her with the youth group, she told me we wouldn't have to attend business meetings at church. I was happy!

However, Ruth Ann and I found ourselves in a church business meeting one evening. We both wanted the church to hire a Youth Minister. It was quite an experience to put it mildly. When it was about to be over, a vote was taken. Oh, praise God, they decided to hire a Youth Minister!

From out of nowhere, I found myself saying, Well, I believe my work here is done, and now the house can sell.

The following day, the youth group made plans to go to another amusement park. This park had a big wave pool. I'm all into sitting in the sun, so I spent most of my time there. I was a bit sunburned by the end of the day.

The next morning, I was in bed trying to recuperate when the phone rang. Our realtor wanted to show the house right away. I jumped up and told the kids we had to leave. The joys of selling a home.

Our house was sold that day!

I have many wonderful memories living in that area. The people were kind and loving, but it was time to move on.

It's beyond belief all God did in that area to bring triumph out of Todd's tragic death.

64 ~ The Eagle

By Kay Heitsch

While we were still waiting for our house to sell, we enjoyed helping at the church.

I helped with VBS. The summer I helped, the theme was "Team Up With Jesus." I've thought about this theme often. What an excellent way to understand God's grace and Good News.

Every week on Sunday, the church's altar was decorated. You could sign up and supply flowers, etc. We chose either Todd's birthday or the day he died to have the altar decorated.

Since the day we chose coincided with Boy Scout Sunday, I wanted things to be red, white, and blue. Bill planned to sing On Eagles' Wings.

I thought it would be a good idea to have an eagle placed on the altar. I wasn't sure where to find one, then I thought of The Eagles Club.

One morning, I walked into the Eagles Club and was happy to see an eagle statue. I asked if, by any chance, I could borrow it for next Sunday to use on the altar. I think the person in charge was surprised, but agreed to let me borrow it.

Later in the afternoon, I went to the church to help with a dinner for the Glowing Embers, an older members group.

When I walked into the church kitchen, someone said, "Someone saw you coming out of the Eagles Club this morning." News travels fast. I guess they were curious why I was there. No one was expecting to hear the reason why I was there.

Jo was in charge of decorating and did an excellent job decorating using the eagle.

Time moves on. I'm now thinking about how our grandson Eli is very active in the Boy Scouts and is working to be an Eagle Scout.

Thankfully, God is still bringing good out of Todd's death.

63 ~ Tennis Club Bar

By Kay Heitsch

While our house was still on the market, I met with a realtor. We looked around several suburbs. This move seemed to be taking forever.

I was still sharing my testimony. I never wanted to share it with teenagers because I felt it would be too emotional.

But wouldn't you know, I was asked to share at a boy's detention center, high schools, and teen clubs. Since I had made a commitment to the Lord to be available, I accepted the invitations.

One night, I was asked to give my testimony at a tennis club to a large group of teenagers.

A microphone was set up in the auditorium, but it would not work. The person in charge suggested that we go to the bar down the hall instead.

Several people were sitting at the bar having drinks. I can't imagine what they must have thought when this group of teenagers walked in and sat on the floor.

The microphone was set up, and I gave my testimony of how God had changed my life and brought triumph out of the tragedy of Todd's death.

Why the microphone would not work in the auditorium, but did in the bar, is a mystery.

I was surprised that everyone who was drinking stayed and listened.

I smile every time I think about this situation and how God works to convey His message.

Again, God was making something positive out of Todd's death.

62 ~ Parking Spot Prayer

By Kay Heitsch

While we were still waiting for our house to sell, I enjoyed working with Ruth Ann and the youth group.

During my last summer with the group, I had the opportunity to attend a youth camp at Lakeside.

Before we drove to Lakeside, we spent the day at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

Ruth Ann and I were exhausted when we left Cedar Point.

As I stated before, I have no sense of direction. Evidently, Ruth Ann didn't either, so we had to stop and ask directions a few times.

Ruth Ann had been at Lakeside many times. Since we were so late arriving, she was sure we would never find a close parking spot near the hotel where we were staying.

We had a van load of kids with their stuff, along with Ruth Ann's and mine.

Ruth Ann was surprised when I started to ask the Lord for a close parking spot. I added that it needed to be big because I can't parallel park this big conversion van.

Ruth Ann thought I had lost my mind, but I was exhausted, and so was she. We both laughed, but the words were out.

As we were driving up to the hotel, we were delighted to find two parking spots right in front. One was handicapped, and the one behind was perfect for us. Easy for me to pull into. My prayer was answered.

In my last conversation with Ruth Ann before she died, she mentioned this parking spot prayer.

God was showing us both that He cared, even about a double-parking spot for two weary travelers.

61 ~ Rose And The Homeless Mission

 61 ~ Triumph Through Tragedy By Kay Heitsch

It was amazing watching God work in this store while we waited for our house to sell.

Bill asked if anyone did community service. Rose spoke up and said her church provided clothes and help for the needy and homeless. Bill told her he thought I would like to help her.

I certainly did! I contacted churches and other organizations, and once a week, I stopped by each church to pick up any items they had. People also dropped off bags of items at our home.

Bill would take these things to the store, and Rose's husband would take them to the mission.

Rose and I became friends even though I seldom drove to the store. We both prayed for Bill's safety and for the store. Rose gave me a video of the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir with testimonies. I loved it and still have it.

Rose had worked in this store for quite a while. She expressed to me how things seemed more peaceful since Bill was the manager. I think we both thought that if it was God's will, Bill would turn this mess around.

Bill's old store was finally closed. They were getting rid of clothes racks. We rented a truck. I rode along, and we drove to the mission. Rose's husband came too.

I had been saving a snowmobile suit that Todd had outgrown. It was like new. I had saved it for Brandon for years, but decided to send it up to the mission.

Much to my surprise, when we pulled up to the mission on a cold, winter afternoon, a small, toothless guy ran over to help with the biggest smile.

Lo and behold, he was wearing Todd's snowmobile suit. My eyes filled with tears.

I felt God was letting me know that I thought I was saving this snowmobile suit for Brandon, but He had me keeping it for another one of His precious children.

Rose came to Bill's office the following day. She told Bill there was a story about that snowmobile suit. She said this suit fell out of the bag at the homeless man's feet. He asked if he could have it because he had always wanted one.

As you can see, God was bringing more good out of Todd's death and this unfair situation.

60 ~ 20-40-60 Plan

By Kay Heitsch

We had moved many times, so moving was nothing new to us. We contacted a friend who was a realtor and listed the house.

I was attached to this house because of Todd. I knew he wasn't walking through the back door, but still, I didn't want to leave.

We had never lived this long in any area. We had made many friends here. We were happy. I thought for sure Bill would be awarded this large new store. But that was not the case.

This ghetto store Bill was sent to was rough. Crack vials outside on the sidewalk. Homeless and drug addicts in and out. A fire was started inside the store. A truck backed into the plate glass window to steal merchandise. I could go on.

Bill had a couple of employees who had been working there for a while. They teased Bill, calling him Mr. Rogers. He was one of the only white guys there. However, this wasn't an issue for him or his employees.

The company thought Bill should turn this store around or face consequences. The last manager had a complete breakdown; he never returned to retrieve his belongings.

We couldn't understand what was happening. Later, we learned that Bill was part of the company's 20-40-60 Plan. Any manager who had been with the company for over 20 years, was over 40 years old, and made over $60,000 was wanted out. Bill fit into this category.

This seemed like a nightmare at times. But God had His plan to use even this situation to bring good out of it.

59 ~ That's Not Fair

By Kay Heitsch

It was very soon after Todd's death that Bill was offered another transfer to another state. Bill had never turned down a transfer before. But he did this time.

Usually, we liked to move. The company paid everything and gave a moving allowance. But now, Todd had just died.

Bill's store was doing so well, thanks to the employees and wonderful customers, that the company decided to close Bill's store and build a larger one. Bill helped find the right people to assist the company in locating the land and other necessary resources. Everyone was excited!

Bill's employees were happy and felt confident that Bill would be offered the new store as the general manager, given the job he had done.

But, no, that was not the case. The company was not happy that Bill had turned down the transfer to another state.

Instead of giving Bill the new store, they told him on his 25th anniversary of working for them that they were offering it to another man.

Bill was moved into a ghetto store over 2 hours away. This was heartbreaking and seemed unfair. Now Bill drove over two hours every day to work. We put our house up for sale.

When the new store had its grand opening, we attended. I saw former employees with tears in their eyes. It was sad, but we wanted to show our encouragement to the new store manager and Bill's former employees.

This was a tough time, but God saw us through and brought good out of it.

58 ~ Secret Room

By Kay Heitsch

I was overjoyed that the empty void was filled; I wanted to share what I had discovered.

First, I began buying the paperback "Have a Great Day" books, because this was a book Todd read every morning.

I enjoyed the condensed edition of The Power of Positive Thinking, so I bought those for the high school kids.

Sometimes, I received donations when I shared my testimony, so I used all of this money to buy other positive booklets by Dr. Peale.

My prayer was that people would find a personal relationship with the Lord, just as I had.

After "In Loving Memory of Todd" and "She Surrendered to God" were published, they sent me copies to give away.

I was still going to the nursing home every Thursday. There was a resident at the facility who made it clear he had no use for God. However, he was so excited that I had my picture on this PLUS that he wanted some to give away. I had to smile.

One day, he asked if I would come over in the afternoon because he wanted me to walk downtown with him. He said he wanted to introduce me to someone.

A week or so later, I dropped by in the afternoon and stopped by a family-type video store. I was introduced to the owner, and he started to show me around. The next thing I knew, we were in the back. There was a secret room where men were renting movies that should never have been in a family video store.

I was so disgusted that I wrote a letter to the editor, informing the public that this room was located at the back of the store.

I expected to hear from concerned churches. But no! I had nasty calls instead.

We had moved from the area when I received a very sad phone call.

Two high-school girls were at a video store, and a man had asked them for a ride. One precious girl was killed, and the other lived.

The mother of the girl who died heard my testimony before her precious daughter was killed. She said it helped her to write a book and go out and speak.

God was taking another tragedy and turning it into a triumph.

57 ~ Slowly Accepting Todd's Death

By Kay Heitsch

After the announcement and write-up in the newspaper, I began to receive numerous requests to share my testimony.

I have no sense of direction. There was no GPS to help back in the day. Bill laughed and said he knew this must be something God wanted me to do because I would take off.

Every now and then, my friend Dimple would accompany me. Dimple liked to always say she was pushing 100 when anyone asked her age. We were quite the team.

It didn't matter that I had no clue about the directions. Somehow, whenever I asked for directions, people were always willing to help me. Some even had me follow them. I was never late.

My biggest problem was trying to control myself from starting to cry. I would gain control over one part of the message, but then I would choke up somewhere else.

I was asked to ride along with a man and share my testimony at his meetings. We usually went out once a week. I shared with him how I was sorry I couldn't seem to get a grip on my emotions.

What I found interesting was what he told me. He said that when I paused and wiped a tear, it gave the audience permission to show their feelings, too. Thanks to him, the pressure was off.

What I was finding out was that, having to tell my story over and over, I was slowly beginning to accept Todd's death.

This may seem odd to some of you. That's okay. But others know that with a sudden, unexpected death of your child, it's hard to accept they won't be walking back through the door they left from.

I could see God was bringing good out of Todd's death, and I was slowly beginning to accept it.

56 ~ Newspaper & Classmate's Letter

By Kay Heitsch

Soon after I received the award, the people at the Peale Center sent the letter, "In Loving Memory of Todd," along with the announcement that I had received the Norman Vincent Peale Award, to our local newspaper.

Much to my surprise, the newspaper decided to publish the story with Todd's picture.

It wasn't long afterwards that I received a letter from a classmate of Todd's.

In the letter, this girl explained that when she heard Todd had been in an accident, she prayed that Todd would live, and God would do what was best for the Kingdom.

When she learned Todd had died, she was devastated. As a result, she was angry and her faith was shaken.

But now, after reading the newspaper and seeing all the good things God was doing through Todd's death, her faith was restored.

I was blessed that this sweet classmate of Todd's took the time to write me and share how her faith had been restored.

I don't believe God causes tragedy, but I believe God uses these tragedies to accomplish what is right for His kingdom.