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Do you believe in coincidence? Or, perhaps, “God moments?” A lot of people think things happen as a coincidence, but me – I believe in God placing things in my path at just the right time. I have always believed in God moments, but I haven’t always been strongly connected to them.

You know how it is. Life gets in the way; you are busy; you’re rushing through your day. You don’t listen or act on those moments. And then things change. Dramatically! In the last eighteen months my life has changed tremendously! My family of five abruptly became a family of four. A car accident stole my son, Tyler’s life only three days after his 15th birthday. Looking back, that day was filled with “God moments.” Of course, I didn’t realize it then. I didn’t realize it until I looked back weeks even months after the accident. 

The details of what would have been a totally normal day are graphic images that play over and over in my mind. I took fall sports pictures, dropped my daughter(Gracie) off at a birthday party, downloaded the pictures, did a bank deposit, got Gracie from the party, hurried home to see my parents who were down for a busy weekend including celebrating Tyler’s 15th birthday. We are all busy, but I don’t remember intentionally pushing to get so much done before.

Thinking back, why was Tyler’s birthday and Gracie’s activities all on the same weekend? Why did Tyler want to go hang out with his friends when he would have typically stayed home to see his grandparents? Coincidence? No, I firmly believe it was a “God moment.” Actually God’s plan – His plan for me, for our family, for Tyler and for everyone Tyler touched.

When Tyler left that night he was supposed to be home in 30 minutes. He didn’t make it home on time. Why did my husband, Bill get an uneasy gut feeling something terrible was wrong? I usually get them. Why? Because God knew if Bill was uneasy he would take action. Bill went looking for Tyler. God’s plan.

When I got the call from Bill that there was an accident one mile from our house, logic tells you that shear panic should have set in. But it didn’t. I had focus; I was calm and had unbreakable strength to do the job God had placed in my hands.

Then there was Gracie, asleep. I couldn’t leave her alone. But my parents were there. God’s plan.

And yet another amazing thing happened as I sat by Tyler. I had this feeling that someone was lifting me up and urging me to move to the middle of the road. I stood alone, looked up at the full moon, closed my eyes, and felt the gentle breeze on my face. In that moment I heard these calming words…“Everything is going to be OK and you are going to get through this.”

I have never felt more peaceful than that exact moment. I firmly believe it was Tyler telling me these words. He was comforting me! Tyler telling me he understood God’s plan. He always had a way of calming me. Coincidence or “God moment?”

I have no doubt, this is all part of God’s master plan. These “God moments” continue to this day. Want to hear more? Comment and I will continue my story. But more importantly…listen for your “God moments.”

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So God Made a Mother's Story Keepsake Journal

Missy Hillmer

Missy Hillmer is a writer, photographer, wife, mother, creative lady whose mind is constantly on the go. She loves coffee, dark chocolate especially with nuts, music soothes her soul and being outside in the sun recharges her body. She has an angel in Heaven. Her faith is what gets her through each day. Since her son Tyler’s accident she is passionate about telling her story with the hope that it will help or inspire at least one person who has lost a child.

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