The License Plate Message

Prior to his passing in 2011, my husband Bob had been confined to a bed in a small group home for over a year.  His Alzheimer’s was progressing and he needed total personal care. He was unable to sit, unable to speak, and yet he always managed a weak smile every day when I came to visit. He also had a cancerous lesion on his arm but since he was under the care of Hospice, only palliative care was provided. The wound was kept clean and covered and didn’t appear to bother him in any way.  But I could see that it was getting larger, and his general condition was failing. 

I was so thankful to have the services of Hospice of the Valley. They were so friendly and compassionate, and provided excellent supervision of Bob’s care. They also provided valuable support for me. They encouraged me to take care of my own health and recognize the ongoing physical and emotional stress that occurs when caring about a loved one with a terminal illness. I was thankful that I had them by my side.

On my drive home one afternoon, I was heavily burdened about what lay ahead. I often held “conversations” with God, and on that day, I was pressing for answers to my questions: “Will Bob begin to suffer pain from that cancer site on his arm?” “Was there anything else I should be doing?”  “How much longer will I have with him?”

I was driving down a local street when a car pulled in front of me. I always like to glance at license plates but this time I had to look twice.  The Arizona plate read “K SERAH”…  translated as “Que Sera, Sera = Whatever will be, will be.”

I laughed out loud and said, “God, you know how to get my attention! Since my head was so full of worry and “negative noise," I couldn’t hear your answers, so you sent me a written message to remind me not to worry.”  I knew all the answers to my questions would eventually come when they should. It was time to let go and let God determine when that would be.

I believe there is an evolution of consciousness taking place in the minds of many today. This state of increased awareness opens my mind to new possibilities where the Universe speaks to me in many ways. Insight may come when I am reading an inspiring daily message, or watching the flowers starting to bloom in my garden, or hearing that “still, small voice” in my head. It informs, instructs, and inspires me when I remember to keep that channel open. “Worry thoughts” need to be calmed with affirmations of trust that the best outcome will be provided. I feel peace and gratitude as I place all my problems into the hands of a power greater than I am, knowing all is well.

       Bob was slowly drifting away from this world. He showed no pain, no fear. He was sleeping all day and night. Hospice informed me that it would soon be time. I notified his children, who would have to travel many miles from out of state. They arrived at Bob’s care home on the day of his passing and were able to be by his side and say goodbye. His funeral was a joyous celebration of his life.  And while we knew we would miss him terribly, we also knew that his spirit was now free and at peace.

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Quotes:

“When you are troubled and worried and sick at heart,

And your plans are upset, and your world falls apart,

Remember God’s ready and waiting to share,

The burden you find much too heavy to bear.

So with faith, “Let Go and Let God” lead your way,

Into a brighter and less troubled day. “ Helen Steiner Rice

“ The light of God surrounds us; The love of God enfolds us; The power of God protects us; The presence of God watches over us; Wherever we are, God is! And all is well“   “The Prayer for Protection”    Unity      www.unity.org/request-prayer  

Subscribers: To see another License Plate story:“O My Gawd” Sept 2021 in Archives

• Photos by B. Ryan