Deborah Lynn Rushing sits before her family plot at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah. The ray of sunshine above her was just another sign of God’s blessing on our chance meeting.
For Christmas this year, our family decided to spend a few days in the Southeast, first in Savannah followed by a visit to Charleston. It’s a similar trip to the one we made when I was on my yearlong mission, when we spent Christmas in New Orleans.
Our first stop today was at Bonaventure Cemetery, which is not as ghoulish at it sounds. My wife and I always love walking through cemeteries and this one was well worth it. The canopy of trees all feature dried out Spanish moss dangling overhead, creating a gothic atmosphere so perfect for Savannah. And the sea air rapidly aged even the newest of tombstones, enhancing the effect.
But the highlight of my visit was completely unexpected. A teary-eyed woman approached and asked if I would be willing to take a photo of her in front of her family plot. I naturally agreed and walked with her over to the spot where the Adair family has been laid to rest.
She told me that her grandmother and grandfather were the only people who ever led her to God, an introduction she clearly still treasures. She also shared tales of ghost stories told to her as a young girl and other memories from long ago. I had a wonderful time listening to stories of her life growing up there in the city we were visiting for the first time.
Before she sat for the photo, I mentioned that I would only take the photo with her phone if she agreed to another one with mine. I knew this chance encounter with this wonderful woman of Christ was one I wanted to share with all of you as we ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
I shared a few hugs with my new friend, Deborah Lynn Rushing, then she relinquished me back to my family, the both of us better for this brief but memorable encounter.
Advent is ending. Christmas arrives Monday. Blessings to all.
52 Masses 