August 28, 2002 - "The Shower Incident"
 
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"God often uses a sister's arms when He sees that we really need a hug."  
~Hugs For My Sister~



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The title of today's story may be misleading, but for Annettee it was a shower to remember and a new-found respect for her sweet sister!



THE SHOWER INCIDENT
by Annettee Budzban


Most of my childhood memories surround my sister Lea. Our other two siblings were quite older than we were, so we shared childhood memories together. We shared a bedroom, survived family vacations together (as there was no one else around to play with, and shared sibling rivalry.

I had much favor on my life when it came to learning. Things seemed to come easier to me than most. I got very good grades with little effort and won contests and received many honorable mentions. But for my sister Lea this was not always the case. Her grades were not as good as mine and she had to study hard for the many things that she achieved. However the one thing that she was always good at was being supportive of me.

Lea always shared in my achievements with great happiness and support. She never showed any jealousy toward my learning favor. Even when she had to listen to my parents gloat over how smart I was I never saw her bat an eye. This was something I was always grateful for.

I never expressed my gratitude to her for this until many years later while at a shower for my wedding.  My friend who was throwing this shower had an idea that as I opened each particular gift I was to acknowledge how I came to know that person and how they touched my life and they were to do the same in return. I felt somewhat awkward with this silly suggestion at first but with the reminder of each personal experience and the heartfelt words that were exchanged, it was quite a delightful time. I was now about half-way around the room and I was closing in on the opportunity to talk with my sister. I knew exactly what I was going to say to her. I would tell her how much I appreciated all those years that she showed no jealousy toward me and only supported and promoted me. It was a story I shared with my friends many a time.

I now just finished my spiel to my sister, it was her turn to respond. However her response wasn't exactly what I expected. She caught me by surprise with her words..... "Is that how it looked?"  "I hated that everything came so easily to you." Everyone laughed out loud. But even with those words my heart grew with admiration as I saw the self-control my sister had displayed all those years. She thought more of me than her own feelings of jealousy. That is what life is about. Controlling what we feel and not acting on it. That takes self-control, motivated by love.

To this day I laugh about the incident at the shower. My sister still sees the best in me. She is promoting and sharing in the joy with me of my newly found writing career and each success that I have with it.

Throughout our lives my sister and I have played many a game together but one of my memorable games will always be the one that revealed to me her true honor. It is the game that I recall as ..... "The Shower Incident." 



Annettee Budzban  copyright 2002
AHRTWrites2U@aol.com

Annettee Budzban is a mother and grandmother and lives in Wildwod, IL. She started a writing ministry called, Writings From The Heart.  She sends short devotions to friends and others. Her first book, Life-CChanging Inspirations has been published. Read her previous story "That's Incredible" in our archives. www.2theheart.com/archives


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The Letter Box:



Dear 2theheart,
I loved the way "Unexpected Miracles" was written! It was a bit different and to me it made it stand out more. God does send us to help each other when we need it and this story showed that Peyton's Mother-in-Law was paying attention! Great story!
Corie Ganton



2theheart,
God places blessing in places that we sometimes least expect it...like the middle of the street or on the internet....today he placed one on 2theheart for us all to read! Thank you Mr. Adams for being His carrier!
Betty King


Re: "All or Nothing"
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL STORY!
THANK YOU FOR LETTING US IN ON A MIRACLE!
Andi P.



Hello Susan my name is Rhondalee Nash am 22 and from N.Ireland. When I was 19 I became very ill with a wasting disease and am now in a wheelchair and have also got alot of other problems with my health to but through some of your stories you have given me the inspiration and hope to get all I can out of my life. I am now starting my 2nd year at universtiy. I dont beleave that God is to blame for what has happened me but I do believe it is a miracle I am a much stronger person now and have even opened a prayer group for teenagers. I truly believe that I can help people through my illness. Mother Teresa said "I know god will not give me anything I can't handle and this is the saying I live my life by.
 
God bless
lots of love and hugs
Rhondalee Nash N.Ireland



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