The story you’re about to read was written and experienced by Carol Breidenbach. I am forever grateful that she was kind enough to share this story with me, and I am even more grateful that she has allowed me to share it with you. I pray it touches your heart as it has mine. God Bless- Mimi
A Turtle Story
You never think it will happen to you, but on June 30, 1983, our youngest son, Jerome, was killed in an accident. I remember repeating constantly: “When I am weak, then I am strong.” The morning of his funeral, with faith waning, I asked:
“Lord, if you really are with me during this, will you send me a sign? Something I can see?”
As the procession approached the cemetery, everyone had to stop as a turtle was blocking the driveway. A good friend of ours, a Deacon, removed the turtle so the procession could proceed. This was the sign. Turtles were special to Jerome and I. We spent hours at the lagoon near our home watching them. They were a part of our love, and now a sign of God’s love and faithfulness to me that day.
Later as I would visit the cemetery, I would look for the turtle, hoping to keep it for a pet and remembrance. One day it occurred to me that it would not be good for the turtle to leave its natural habitat and be confined. This helped me to release Jerome to the Lord, knowing that he was happier in heaven than on earth, even though I ached for him.
As days and months passed, the Lord was faithful to us, sending comfort and reassurances in dreams, words of scripture, images, words of song, real caring of friends, and words of prophecy. As Christmas approached, I was apprehensive about it. We were having flooring and carpeting laid in our home which allowed me to ignore Christmas until the week before when the workmen finished. We started to unpack Christmas things, and Jerome’s stocking and ornaments were there. I told my husband, Lenny, that I just wanted to skip Christmas for this year, but he told me that we needed to have it for our other three children. That night I prayed,
“Lord, please give me some peace and joy this Christmas, don’t let me tough it through this beautiful season. Please send me a sign that you are with me, like another turtle.”
The very next day, a beautiful friend stopped by the office where I work and said, ” I love you, Merry Christmas” and she gave me a gift. When I opened it, I discovered a ceramic turtle! I did enjoy peace and joy that week of Christmas, and on Christmas morning, I did miss Jerome, but when we sang, “Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God in the highest” I knew that he was with us.
“With his pinions, He will cover you, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His faithfulness is a buckler and a shield.” -Psalm 91:4……..and He will send a turtle. 🙂
Praise the Lord! Carol Breidenbach
