Grateful for the Little Things... Like Walking and Crocheting by Judy Hawks, Ashe County Accident Shows the Love of Family, Friends, and Strangers
There was no question as I grew up as to whether I’d go to church or not. I am so thankful for godly parents who cared. Mother was a godly woman, and we had a lot of fun. She had a very dry sense of humor. She taught me to dance the waltz and flatfoot and this while attending church! Church people just didn’t dance back then. Dad was a stern but gentle man who loved his family. At age 16, I started working in a restaurant during the summers, and my shift was nights and weekends. My dad was upset that I wouldn’t be in church on Sunday. I am so thankful for godly parents of whom I have such fond memories, and I am appreciative of the legacy they left me. As a sophomore in college, I married. Two years later, I completed my teaching degree in French with a minor in English. My first two years of teaching were in Ashe County at Beaver Creek High School—two of the best years of teaching! Then I transferred to Watauga High School where I completed twentynine more years with many fond memories of wonderful people.
In the summer of 1970 I was involved in a motorcycle accident when the bike I was riding was hit by a car. The collision put me in the Watauga Hospital for four and a half months. Three things I learned during my stay there, among many others, were patience, how to be grateful for little things like being able to walk, and accepting help from others. The hospital staff was wonderful to me, and I grew to love them. One of the nurses taught me how to crochet -- a craft which I am still enjoying today. Due to the accident, I have had several surgeries on the leg and foot and in most recent years, three back surgeries. Through it all, God has been my anchor, my strength, and my comfort. And my immediate family, my church family, and my friends have given me their love and support.
Life Lessons Lead to Ministry Opportunities
The lessons I’ve learned in my life as well as the long and difficult hospital stay are being used by the Lord daily to minister to those who are hurting---just like I was. My church has begun a prayer shawl ministry in which many ladies and girls are knitting, crocheting, and quilting shawls, lap throws, and bed runners. As we work on the handmade items, we pray for the recipient and we continue to pray after we have given them away. To see the smiles, the tears, and to hear “Thank you and God bless you” make the efforts worth it all. I thank the nurse for teaching me to crochet and I thank God for the opportunity He has given me to serve Him and His people. God has been good to me.
God has blessed me with two children, two granddaughters, two step-children, and five step-grandchildren. My husband is an answer to prayer, a man who loves the Lord and has a servant’s heart. We enjoy quilting together and have given several of our quilts to the youth at our church to help in fundraisers.
Winter 2011 15
