Tuesday came to its end with a very tired Rita climbing the stairs to her apartment. She didn't make it up three steps without taking off her high heals. "These dogs are barking," she chuckled to herself. Entering her home all she could think about was going to bed. She showered and put on her favorite fuchsia pajamas - the pair with white daises all over them.
Rita was much like a daisy, long a symbol of innocence. She could brighten a room simply with her presence; she was friendly, unassuming, and approachable; she was pure of heart. She could be easily underestimated and then stun a room with insight and loveliness – like the unexpected power of receiving a bouquet of daisies bringing hope to the downcast, or like illumination to the beauty in everyday living upon seeing a field of them growing wild. But tonight, this flower of the DLO was wilting from the activity of the past four days.
Instead of kneeling by her bed to say her prayers as she usually did, Rita climbed into bed, laid her glasses on the bedside table, propped herself on a mountain of pillows, and began to talk to God.
"Dear God, This is Rita. Whew, I'm tired. I hope I don't fall asleep before I finish. I have so much to thank You for, wait, for - which - I - am - thankful. And that correction leads me to pray for Oliver first. Thank you for saving Oliver and his dad. We were so worried about them. Oliver is so much more than just my boss. We are like family to each other. I have seen him go through some really tough times - Holly leaving, learning about his dad. Right now, God, I thank you that Oliver has a chance to be – to be just happy about life – as I am happy. And I think Shane could be a part of his happiness.
LORD, Shane and Oliver have chemistry between them. I've seen it. I think You put it there. When I talked to her on the phone this afternoon, I'm pretty sure she was crying. But she said things have never been better. I bet that has something to do with Oliver. Oops, sorry about the bet thing. I didn't mean that I was actually making a bet with…. Oh, You know what I mean. I think I'll just move right along.
Thank you for allowing Norman and me to be a part of reuniting Topper and Sandy. Working at the DLO, with Oliver and Shane and Norman, isn't just a job. It really is a calling. Thank You so much for letting me be a part of your divine deliveries. This may be the most fun delivery of all – which brings me to Norman.
God, I can't thank you enough for Norman and this past weekend. I had the most wonderful time. Help him to see all the bold things he has already done – assuming nothing and going to the right Las Vegas; eating enchiladas until he was sick in order to find Sandy; buying a dog! It isn't that he uses his boldness to call attention to himself or to be a show-off; he uses his boldness to help others. Thank you for making Norman exactly as he is. And God, about those separate motel rooms, I know it pleased You, and it pleased me too. But one day LORD, in your time, I hope we will share all things. I have fallen in love with him with a forever love.
Well, I'm sure I left out something. This has been the most amazing four days. But I really have to get some sleep. I hope that's ok with You. Good night, God. See you in morning. Amen"
And Rita would see God in the morning, and in the afternoon, and in the evening, for she was pure in heart and she would look for Him throughout her day. She found God in her reaping and in her embracing, in her dancing and in her laughing, in her searching and in her loving. She had found her purpose under heaven. It was certainly her time, and it was a very special time.