It happened in 1953.
The Polio Epidemic.
I have no memory of the fear that must have swept the country
as polio attacked so many – especially adults.
Leaving many paralyzed, some on iron lungs, some fatalities.
I have no memory.
But I remember summer 1953 being a busy time
as we moved from Allentown, PA to Levittown, PA.
My little baby brother was born in March 14, 2020
and there was so much to think about
for a little girl of 4.
Big bulldozers outside my window moved the dirt in the yard
and literally terrified me.
But there was something worse that would cause me to fear
for many years to come.
Polio.
I don’t even remember that word
until summertime
when my world was turned upside down.
After a time at the pool
my mother got a severe headache.
Suddenly a doctor was called.
Hushed voices.
My older brother and I stood in the hallway
waiting to hear about our mother.
The doctor came out of her room,
gave us each a shot
and made arrangements for my mother to be taken
to the hospital.
She had polio.
The next few weeks and months were a blur
as I was taken to Long Island to stay with my relatives.
I had no idea if I’d ever see home again.
Strange memories of those days
and lonely weeks.
Tasteless scrambled eggs
and long days.
I feared that my mommy had died
And I would never see my Daddy or brothers again.
How I wished to have the chance to be a good girl.
I knew that I would never cause them any trouble.
Today we face a the Coronavirus Pandemic
and daily news of how it’s spreading across the globe.
Schools are closed, churches will not have services
and many businesses are silenced.
Day after day I hear of more closings
and with it that sense of fear mounts.
But in the midst of it all
my heart remembers.
Long ago.
That verse of comfort and hope.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
That verse reminds me of Who is in control.
It reassures me when I begin to wonder.
What’s going to happen next?
It comforts me and gives me clear direction.
Trust. Don’t trust my own understanding.
Acknowledge Him
and then there’s that promise …
He will direct my paths.
He is close, personal and has promised to be there.
I never have to feel alone
like that little girl of 4.
Never again.
No, God has promised
to take care of me as I trust in Him.
Years ago I waited for months
with no word about my mother.
Years ago I had no hope.
But suddenly when that car pulled up
and my Daddy came to the door
my heart overflowed with joy.
We were reunited again as a family.
The lessons remain
God is with us.
We can trust Him.
We must not lean upon our own understanding.
But acknowledge Him
and let Him direct our days, weeks, months and more.
No one needs to be overwhelmed by fear.
No one.
If you are reading this
and struggling at times
with fear.
Remember His promise.
It’s for you.
Trust Him.
Put your faith in Him.
He will guide, direct and protect you.
Always.
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