Chicago does not disappoint. You never know when you might help to save a life. (See below...) When I take the time to stop, listen and go where I feel called, even if it seems strange or out of the ordinary, serendipities abound. Being where we are supposed to be isn't necessarily obvious, but it can be wonderful, even important. I am in Illinois for a variety of wonderful reasons. No matter where I am I seek to experience everything possible. A friend from Oregon heard I was coming to Chicago. Rather emphatically, he told me, "While you're there, you've got to go to a Cubs game!" A friend of mine here in the area was able to purchase three tickets for a day game. So, together with my friend and her daughter, I managed to fulfill a dream. A dream I never knew I had and a divine appointment I could not have anticipated. (See Below) (I admit I am not a Cubs fan but quickly realized the seriousness of Cub loyalty in this town. It is my perception that; Cub fans are not to be messed with.) We rode the "L" to the park. It was quite the experience. I was sort of in awe; eyes wide open taking in everything; fascinating sights (great architecture) strong smells (like the guy who boarded the train and smelled like he lived there) and a plethora of sounds (whistles, bells, announcements and the chatter of people living life. |
Before the first pitch was thrown (as I was wondering how soon we might be able to leave) my friend had to use the bathroom. I didn't have to go so I waited with her daughter outside the restroom.
Within seconds a frantic man approached, grabbed my arm and told me he needed me to go into the ladies restroom for him. At first I thought he might be joking but the look on his face told me something was wrong. He continued, "I need you to go into the restroom and get me the wheel chair. There is a man choking!"
I darted into the restroom, quickly looked around and located the wheel chair. Not realizing it was one of those chairs that had a release handle, I lifted it up and swung it around toward the door. (no easy task.) I then saw the release lever and was able to shoot the chair back out through the restroom entrance. The man took the chair and disappeared.
There we were, left not knowing the choking man's fate. We had to let it go. A little shocked, we continued waiting.
Strangely, a bratwurst with mustard was the next order of business. In my head I kept telling myself, "Remember to chew your food."
Suddenly, I spotted the man who asked me to get the wheel chair. I jetted over and inquired about the choking man.
"Is the guy who was choking okay?" I asked.
Frantic man replied, "Oh, you're the lady who got the wheel chair. "Jeeze, he said, the guy was choking real bad. He was turning blue and purple and all kind of colors. Emergency personnel hadn't made it to the upper levels yet, so we needed the wheel chair to get the man down to the lower level to find help. EMTs were able to help him and get him off to the hospital. He's gonna be okay. Thanks for your help. Glad you were there."
Me too. You never know what might happen. It's good to be where you're supposed to be. Might be wherever you are right now.
The Cubs won, by the way. Sorry to the Dodger fans who sat in front of us. It was a great game and a beautiful day for baseball!
Where else can you go, except for Wrigley Field, to watch your favorite Criminal Minds cast member, Joe Mantegna, belt out Take Me Out To The Ball Game during the Seventh Inning Stretch?!
Matthew 15:17
Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?
(Or not... winky face.)
Colossians 3:23
23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
NASB