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Bernadine Saved My Life

It seems that I often forget what it was like raising six children. I forget to thank God that, not only did we all survive, but somehow, we thrived. One of the reasons I’m not a blithering idiot right now, I do believe, is that God sent me Bernadine.

We had a little house that we built on a government program when we got married (thanks to Joe’s mom for orchestrating that!) And I’ll readily admit, I am not the best housekeeper. Not quite a hoarder, but close.

We had little money, but Joe worked hard (and a lot) to make sure I could stay home with the children.

We started with twin girls, sixteen months later, another girl, fourteen months later, girl, then two boys two years apart. Six in six years, however you slice or dice it!

Several things happened as the children were arriving, one day two of my choir friends came by after my third child was born. “We’ve come to help,” they said. They cleaned and amused my toddler twins for the day while I rested with the new baby. What a blessing! They asked if they could box up clutter and I said, “Just don’t tell me what it is.” The box went to the street, and I had to almost tie myself up to let it go, but I did. I still wonder what was in there, and that was 50 years ago!

Another nuclear episode of memories long ago, my sister, Karen, came over to see me, she lived “across the bay,” about thirty minutes. I opened the door and she was standing there with a gallon of milk. “How did you know I was out of milk?” I asked. “Well, I figured you were always out of milk with your brood!”

I share this because another memorable friend visit happened somewhere between number five and six. My friend, Debbie, came over to visit and while there she said, “Patti, you need help!” Ya think? Now a good friend can say that, however, I may have been a little embarrassed. “I know a lady that could come one afternoon a week and help some.”

I couldn’t afford the five dollars, but I had to! Bernadine came to help me after her day job. I want to cry writing this. For one afternoon, my house was in order. My dishes were washed. My bathrooms were clean. My heart, oh, my heart! Thank you, Bernadine!

As the years went on, I had number six, Bernadine came, I paid more than five dollars, we moved to a bigger house, she came for the day, every other week, because I couldn’t afford every week. She babysat sometimes, my six and sometimes the cousins too! They all knew (and loved?) Bernadine!

As the years went on, she became more than “housekeeper,” she was the keeper of my sanity! My saddest day was when I asked Joe to help with the checkbook, which was in worse shape than the house. He said he would take ownership, and I readily gave him the reins, however, he said,” You know we can’t afford Bernadine.” My world was crushed. I had to tell her and I cried. She remained my friend and even sent my girls wedding gifts. I loved my Bernadine.

There is someone reading this who may have had similar times of need, similar overwhelming baby stories, similar young mom stories, you may be going through this right now! I am sharing this because, not only do I want to pay homage to my precious friend, Bernadine, and my sisters and friends that have helped through the years, but to remind you that God’s got this, He will get you through the tough times, big or small.

God sent me Bernadine.

Times have changed, needs change, but God will never change. And he will never leave you or forsake you. My encouragement today is not only to persevere through the hard times, but to trust God, who will always be as close as a prayer.

Help me, dear Father. Give me wisdom and strength in this situation. Let me be open to the help you send and forever grateful. Be my help and my salvation. Amen.