My Friend Katie

About a month ago, I transported one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Her name is Catherine; she goes by Katie. She gave me permission to tell her story. I picked her up at St Clare Hospital in Lakewood, Washington. She came to the ER with nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of a general illness. Her white blood cell count was off the charts. She was being transferred directly to the University of Washington with a tentative (new) diagnosis of leukemia.

She seemed tired during the 45-minute trip. I decided to let her rest. She slept some but tossed and turned trying to deal with the symptoms while lying on the narrow gurney as we bounced down the freeway. Five minutes before we arrived, I woke her up. I told her I believed God would heal her of this disease and asked if I could pray with her. She began to get tears in her eyes, which made me begin to cry. We spent these few minutes holding hands, asking for God’s healing power and love to be poured out upon her life, and crying.

What amazed me about this woman? It was the boldness of her faith. Here she was with a new diagnosis of leukemia and with firm conviction, she spent the rest of her time with me declaring the greatness, love, mercy, and goodness of God. That’s something I rarely see. She’s become a great inspiration to me.

Katie said one of the nurses tucked a note in her sheets before we left the hospital. We searched the ambulance but didn’t find it. She was disappointed, but I found it the following day. I wanted to give it back to the nurse. That was a bit tricky, because I wasn’t certain who she was. God led me to her. When I told her about the trip, we both began to cry. She’s going to give the note to Kate in person when she sees her again.

I’ve been praying for Katie’s healing with my wife. We asked a few friends to join us through a prayer ring on Facebook. I’m convinced she’ll be healed one day. But even if she isn’t I’ve made a new friend. Praying for people has many different outcomes. At times it’s a healing, other times is an encouraging moment for someone who needs it. Sometimes a lifelong relationship begins. You never know what will come of it. Here’s Katie’s story from the two e-mails she sent me:

(Oct 7th)
I don’t know if you remember me, but you took me from St Clare’s to UW Seattle by ambulance at the beginning of September.  I had been diagnosed with leukemia.  I am getting better every day, although I am still not back at work.  Perhaps I will be able to return next week or so.  My blood levels are becoming stable and I have so much love and prayer surrounding me that I know I will be fine soon.

As I was saying my prayers today, I read the following and thanked God for you and all I have met.  I thought I would share it with you.

“All your movements, your goings and comings, controlled by Me.

Every visit, all blessed by Me.

Every walk arranged by Me.

A blessing on all you do, on every interview.

Every meeting not a chance meeting, but planned by Me.

All blessed.

Not only now, in the hour of your difficulty, but from this time forth and for evermore.”

You remain in my prayers…….God bless,

Catherine Picard

(Oct 14th )

Hi Dave,

While my given name is Catherine and some people do use that name, others call me Katie, a nickname given me by my father.

Your response to my e-mail was humbling, to say the least.  I am now back at work, although my hours are very varied.  I would love to see you again and give you a great big hug of thanks.  If the nurse at St. Clare’s wishes to contact me, you are free to give her my e-mail or phone number.  I have often wondered what the Lord had to say to me in her letter, but He must have thought I would need the words later rather than at the time. Of course, you may tell or post my story to anyone where and with whom you think it might make a difference.  We are all here for the same purpose, to bring each other to the Lord.  However, if you have a prayer network, I will ask that you also include my mother and father.  My father has Alzheimer’s rather badly.  My parents live in California and my mother is without much of a support network.  They need prayer more than I.

How are your friend with Lou Gehrig’s disease and his family doing?  They remain in my prayers also.

I look forward to seeing you again.  I’m sorry I missed you at Fred Meyer, but I am back now, hopefully, full time.  My days off are usually somewhere in the middle of the week, although that changes with the company schedule.  I am difficult to contact at home as my hours, as I said are so varied, but you may call and leave a message or e-mail me at any time.

In Christ,  Katie Picard