Ms. Veronica, an incredibly wise and multigenerational counsellor of souls.
Ms. Veronica is a lady of impeccable generosity, identified not simply by the hospitality and greeting, but also by the few moments of grace deserved and afforded in polite request to make herself more ‘presentable‘ for unexpected company.
Upon return, Ms Veronica immediately became Vera, a woman, widow, great grandma and neighbor who may not have enough, but she’d give a stranger half – and they would never know.
This is a powerful woman filled with a message. “Hurricane Ian did not create victims,” she immediately captured my full and undivided attention. She continued, “I am not a victim.”
“There are dead people, and there are survivors.”
Long pause. The depth of her eyes, intense.
I am wise enough to notice moments when my prior opinion of self, strength and fortitude are immediately being redefined. I am also smart enough to stay silent.
“Our loving God does not create victims, and apparently he is not finished using me.” Veronica’s eyes now alight. “In this moment I am filled with rejoicing,” she said, “because I know there is a purpose I have yet to fulfill.” From me, more smart silence. “How incredible is it for me at 90 to realize there’s more use, more purpose, and more time,” she concluded.
Then, just as casual as one might order a familiar coffee on any ordinary Tuesday, Vera asked…. “How is it I can help you boys?“…
There are rare moments in life when we say the right thing. For me today was one of those moments. My reply was simply, “I think you just did.”
You know something, she’s right.
All the Mr. and Mrs. Veronica’s are not victims; none of us are. God doesn’t create victims – people do.
How stark is the reality of hearing, “there are dead people, and there are survivors.”
If you are not in the former, none of us are, then we should rejoice and realize we have purpose yet unfulfilled.
♦ Scott from Fort Myers beach lost every worldly possession including his home. Scott is not a victim. How do I know this? Because I’ve seen Scott over several recovery efforts, and today I worked side-by-side with Scott for almost two hours before someone passing a water bottle told me he lost everything.
Eventually after the task at hand was accomplished, ear plugs removed, I asked Scott what he needed. His reply was simple, he didn’t know enough yet to be able to answer that question. Oddly, I think I understand. Scott needs to accomplish the two feet in front of him. Purpose within this moment, because his new normal is miles ahead. Yes, today I was the incredibly shrinking man.
Now the fun part of this…. Remember Veronica? When she said, “how is it I can help you boys,” Scott was the plural, he was standing right beside me.
When we jumped in the back of the truck, he leaned over and said to me, there’s the answer to your question.
The message was big. Ms. Veronica was the vessel, and it was Scott -not me- who was the intended target.
♦ Cynthia (aka Cindy) and John are successful small business owners. They are as attached and committed to the Cape Coral, Florida, community as any young couple could be. After originally planning to ride out the storm, they changed their mind. Late last Tuesday they loaded their car with all their most important possessions and evacuated a few miles inland to stay with friends.
Cindy and John survived Hurricane Ian and returned late yesterday to survey their property and evaluate if they could start to rebuild. A massive power pole and tree blocked their driveway, but from the street it looked like the house was structurally okay. Nervously John and Cindy navigated the debris and went inside to check.
In the fifteen minutes they were inside their home, someone stole all their possessions from the car they parked on the street.
Cindy and John are victims, that’s the difference.
Oh, and the guy who handed me the water bottle and told me about Scott’s loss…. That was John.
Today I learned again that bearing witness makes you small in comparison.
Love to all,
~ Sundance
We love you Sundance! Thank you for putting our personal trials into perspective. Those of us not dead are blessed beyond measure.
Beautiful. Inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Sundance, thank you – so incredibly inspiring.
Thank you, Sundance.
My favorite Scripture – Isaiah chapter 58, verses 6-11
the above examples to me are those of “the watered gardens whose waters do not fail”
visissitudes best exmpled.
Beautifully said.
Beautiful Sundance. Thank you.
Vera helped me too. Her affect has spread.
The part about Cindy and John’s stuff getting stolen…made me shake my head. That’s a shame.
Sad, yet thankfully they have their home and health.
Wow – what a posting.
It makes your eyes moist with tears because of what those people have gone through.
It makes you feel bad you’re not there to help.
And then it fills you with rage at those who stole John and Cindy’s possessions.
Ms Veronica and all she influences are Saints forever.
God Bless.
Ms. Veronica is the answer for all of us! She lifts me up and reminds me that I should also strive to be the blessing to others that Ms Veronica is.
My former neighbors moved to Sanibel Island earlier this year. It took many steps to find a contact number for them, even found their closing lawyer and asked for contact information.
I reached out to them to help. They did evacuate and are staying with family here in the Greenville, SC area. Right now they are working with insurance companies. They understand, at this time, not to rebuild as in his words, “Sanibel is gone.”
The lessons of life via trials.
Thank you for your perspective and also sharing Miss Veronica’s view. I really tend to listen to someone that has made it to 90. She sums it up for us all. We aren’t dead hence their is hope and further purpose for us. My son is a lineman who has traveled to Ft. Myers to help get the power on. I hope as he encounters the people who have survived this that it will give him proper perspective of what we all face in this mortal life. He is a kind person and I know that he will show compassion for those who have lost it all. He has been 4 times on hurricane trips to restore power and I think what his own eyes saw has made him a better person. He is 23 and will probably miss his birthday in 2 wks but he is doing what he loves and helping so many to return to something close to normal if the lights come back on. Thank you Sundance for sharing Miss Veronicas story and the encouragement it gives us to live and not give up.
Prayers for safety and God’s blessings to Sundance while helping people in Florida. Praying for safety and blessings for your son, Hiraeth, and all of the other linemen who chose to leave their families and help.
Ah…the world is blessed by men such as your son and Sundance, and beautiful women like 90-year-old Miss Veronica.
Very moving indeed.
Thank you for sharing these truly remarkable people, who make us realize how fortunate we all are.
PRAISE GOD AND ALL HIS CHILDREN.
Thank you, this noble woman’s grace and strength gave me chills to just read about it. What a blessing to meet her. Thanks.
What a wonderful discription of this lovely lady!
What a blessing, Sundance, that we have you.
Okay if I cry after reading that?
Try and stop me.
me too
I was very choked up reading this true story ……….. and then the picture of the little boy and his dog, praying finished me off. Our God is an Awesome God, He reigns from Heaven on High!
Oh, my – this was the perfect time to see that little boy and his dog again.
Sundance, it’s so good to meet the people around you.
me too
I can only hope I can someday live up to her example (and his). She is twice the person I will ever be.
The thieves, they are not looters, need to meet karma. Make them victims of their actions.
Here’s a thought, maybe some of us readers, here, now, were also the intended target of Ms. Veronica.
Wow! She’s an Angel amongst us, and I’m speechless. God bless her!
I was.
As was I, my friend! As was I!
Sundance I wish I had the way to share such inspiring words for you.
I learned something valuable from my older brother some years after his wife of 50 years died.
He talked about how he valued the friends who would show up somewhere, sit with him, and just listen.
He said these old friends would often apologize for not knowing what to say, not knowing how to help…and then he quietly looked at me and said, “Sharon, they will never understand how much their presence helped. They were willing to be there when I was hurting, unable to talk straight, unable to do much for myself–but they.were.there. ”
The presence of each one on the Tree limbs these days is part of Sundance’s community.
Presence matters.
Indeed.
Those seeking to victimize the American people always seem to vastly under estimate the will, fortitude and faith that brings strong, independent individuals into community when adversity and challenge rise to a high enough level. Keep pushing and prodding hard enough and long enough and those Americans you are attempting to turn into victims will band together and overcome any obstacle placed in front of them.
There is nothing to add. God is creator. We are his vessels. Thank you Sundance for sharing these moments. I will never forget them. These reports are testimony to God’s plan, to us, to all of who are blessed to read these important witnesses to the Power of God through the human vessels He loves. Praise God, Praise God, Praise God. God is speaking to us, a 1000 miles away…every word is meant for me. Thank you…I am humbled.
Wow. Just….wow.
Thanks for sharing!
Great story and how very true.
Onward Christian Soldiers, marching….Bless you all doing Gods handy work.
Thank you for being so positive. God knows there are more than enough negatives all around us.
through all our personal troubles and valleys in life always remember that our God is a loving God and He will never give you something you are not capable of handling…it may take you to your knees and require you to call on His help but that is our faithful service to Him after all
Great post SD. Angelic and holy in a way.
Very nice words from Sundance and we all wish him well, but think of all the money our politicians sent to Ukraine and other places and that will bring you back to earth and anger.
Your choice if you want it served cold or hot.
Ted,
Respectfully disagree.
Whether it is the devastation of a Hurricane, or the devastation of society wrought by the evil ones minions, we decide how we wish to respond; WE make ourselves either ‘victims’ or survivors.
That you would post such a comment, on THIS thread indicates you have no problem generating anger, your problem is in “letting it go” in order to see the beauty of life, all around you and to be humbly grateful for Gods grace.
Too bad for you, you have no idea what you’re missing!
Indeed, Dutchman. When people retreat into petty virtue signalling they are tacitly admitting that they don’t have anything more useful to say.
I find that I am capable of cold anger without having to bring it up in a conversation about the good.
I am grateful for the presentation of the good without feeling compelled to mention wasted money. We can (your choice) live with the ebb and flow of nuance.
There are none so blind who will not see.
We were all given free will to accept or reject God’s signs. Your choice served however you want but it’s sad when one can’t see or acknowledge the works from our heavenly Father rather than looking for signs to conform to their own expectations.
Perhaps try putting yourself in the shoes of those in FL having to deal with such devastation and imagine if your concern would be about surviving or the mess in Ukraine.
Wouldn’t you agree the money sent to Ukraine should be going to help the people in Florida?
I agree. Just some other time. Today we praise the GOOD amongst us…
How much are you willing to have it cost you to be right?
Money doesn’t help people-people do.
Florida needs good people.
The money sent to Ukraine is fake, created on a whim, and will burden our grandchildren. The money sent to Ukraine by itself is worthless, it only is of value because ultimately it motivates Americans to exchange their labors at the behest of those enriched by “Ukraine Aid”. My preference is no money to Ukraine, or elsewhere outside of the US. Only US goods and services should be offered. I find it unfathonable that our government would conscript the unregulated labor (cash donation) of our citizenry to the benefit of others while our own neighbors are suffering. Furthermore, the dollars abroad can be used to buy US assets (real estate, stocks) to shift control of our society. Again, money-not goods and services, causes problems.
Money is an interesting concept—it is powerful until it is worthless. A starving person cannot eat a stack of banknotes to a benefit.
Kindness and generosity are more durable and operate outside of money.
All aid should be goods and services—delivered. That is real.
outstanding
Thank you for sharing these stories Sundance!
Dang Sundance, you sure do have a way with words! Hard to see the keyboard when my eyes are all watery.
You remain in my prayers. Along with everyone else who is “picking up the pieces of their lives”.
God is great, good and awesome! With His help we move forward each day.
May He bless and keep all of yous safe.
Much love back at you!
Beautiful comment, Truth Lives At The Treehouse! I’m thankful that Love Lives At The Treehouse, too.
Thank you!
Rejoice and be glad for this is the day the Lord has made!
My eyes are leaking!
I’m feeling very humble right now.
Sundance, you are on the ground there. Where would be the best place to make a monetary donation? Which organization do you think would use it best? If you don’t have an opinion or are unwilling to share it, I understand. Thanks.
If you see Ms Verna again, let her know that God is still using her nation wide. I stand in awe of our mighty God in action.
“Self, strength, and fortitude are immediately being redefined . . .”
Very well said, Sundance. 🙂
Sundance, this is so beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you Sundance. A powerful message and timely reminder. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From Queensland, Australia
Just had to read twice. 🙏🙏
Yes, and will again later.
Since all the downward tracts of time
God’s watchful eye surveys,
O who so wise to choose our lot
Or to appoint our ways?
Good when He gives, supremely good,
Nor less when He denies;
Ev’n crosses from His sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.
Why should we doubt a Father’s love,
So constant and so kind?
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.
– James Hervey – (1714–1758), first published in “Reflections on a Flower-garden”
Origin of idiom “Blessings in disguise”
Today is my 69th birthday. And this post was the real birthday present. Thanks Sundance….ya nailed it again! Be safe!
Happy Birthday. 🙂
Happy birthday
Happy Birthday and wishes for God’s blessings for you always!
Happy Birthday! God bless!
Happy Birthday. This post was a great birthday present. God Bless You.
Thank you All!! A Good day! GOD bless! Rick!
Wow. Just…wow. Isn’t it remarkable how different people react to situations? God bless all who refuse to be victims, and all those who legitimately are. And God bless our friend, Sundance, who can still, through all the darkness, see the Light of God’s goodness, shining all around him, in the eyes of our brothers and sisters. We continue to pray for all.
I hate hurricanes and all the destruction, misery, and death they cause, and yet . . . your hurricane posts are my favorites. Why? Not because they’re so well written (they are), but because it makes you seem more human, more real, more personable to me. While your posts about the seedy underbelly of government and the positive attempts to right the ship of state are vitally important, I sometimes feel I lose touch with you, the human behind the computer screen. It’s like listening to a preacher week after week who certainly speaks the truth but only shares personal stories every now and then (which you do even when a hurricane hasn’t smashed everything to bits). While the truth is the most important part, of course, it is the human experiences you share that makes your site even more meaningful to me.
And pardon me for quibbling about words (which perhaps I misunderstood), but I don’t think bearing witness makes you “small”; rather, it shows you how amazing God is. It’s like the first time I saw the ocean (Ft. Lauderdale, by the way). I stopped dead in my tracks because I was completely overwhelmed. My first thought? “My view of God is NOT BIG ENOUGH!”
Mine was in Miami. The immensity of the ocean has never left me and God made it.
Just think: The world is a teeny tiny pebble to Him, and yet, we are each one of us known and loved . . . and valuable–so valuable, in fact, that God sent His Son for us. The value of something is determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it; God was willing to “pay” Himself.
Inspiring and a simple and powerful lesson. Praise be to God and faith in the human spirit. May God Speed, Veronica!
God is Great! God is Good! An awesome awareness of truth!! Thank you Sundace, Veronica, John and Cindy, for giving Hearts hope! ❤🙏 One becomes two, two become four, and the chain links!!
Teary eyed reading this beautiful post. I know the strength and determination of a wonderful person like Ms. Veronica–used to see people like her often working as a nurse–its what kept you going day after day, those inspiring people that never gave up. Prayers for you Sundance, and for the good people of SWFL. So grateful for you .
This is one of the most inspiring articles I have read in a very long time. Thank you for sharing.
If you see Mrs. Veronica just say thanks. Her words of wisdom prove the American spirit is not gone, but rumbling just beneath the surface waiting for an opportunity.
My best wishes to Scott, who from all accounts is an incredible person lending a helping hand in tragedy and knowing he has just heard true wisdom.
God Bless you all.
A friend in Texas.
A friend lives in Hollywood, FL who was pretty much not bothered by the hurricane,but he posted this re his granddaughter who is in the National Guard. His daughter, Kayleigh’s mother, had written this: “I got word from Kayleigh! She’s still in the hurricane path in a poor, rural, agricultural area. She got so sunburned (even with sunblock on) working 8 hours in the sun distributing goods that the medic told her she couldn’t go outside until her skin heals.
So around 5pm yesterday, they called her and 9 others to unload semi-trucks. They had one forklift and one pallet jack. They unloaded the semis for FIVE HOURS STRAIGHT! She said every inch of her body hurts this morning.
This morning they started loading and unloading MORE semis first thing….and are starting distribution of food, water, and ice again for the whole day (so much for staying out of the sun!!)
Please pray for these National Guard soldiers as they are helping. It’s tiring, they haven’t had a shower in a few days and the people receiving the goods are greedy, selfish, and aren’t saying thank you most of the time. It’s disheartening and her spirits are down.
I never thought about this side of what our troops and first responders go through. God bless them all.”
Please pray for these first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you!
I never imagined people would be so ungrateful.
If you spell DOG backward you get GOD……they are such an example of the undeserving love and loyalty they give to those around them……..I have seen many people who have gotten this unwarranted but the only dogs I have seen grow up around people without a kind heart have been so terribly mistreated as to be criminal….such a touching picture of the boy and his loyal protector asking for guidance from their Creator
Sundance, YOU are the vessel.
God always brings good out of any chaos or evil.
What an uplifting message Sundance. Sure it made your day.