This morning I got a call from a friend who said she had something she wanted to give me before my baby came… quincy invited her daughter to come over and play so she was going to come by. She showed up with tubes of soaps, lotions, exfoliators and the like and announced to me that she had come to rub my feet and legs. Mind you, this particular girl is pregnant herself, she had a head cold and several errands to run that she had mentioned to me. Of course, I was caught off guard, and tried to talk her out of such nonsense as her rubbing my feet… she would not take no for an answer, and although I felt really bad that she was rubbing my feet, she proceeded to fill a tub of water, gather a towel and make sure I was in a comfortable chair. Of course, it felt wonderful- my feet and legs certainly ache…and i tried desperately to relax through the guilt I was feeling for her performing this task. As she had just begun, my son cory (7) walked into the room and looked very confused and asked what was going on… she explained that she was rubbing my feet, and that this is what he should do for his wife when he grows up! Then cory said, “hey, isn’t that what Jesus did for his disciples?” immediately my eyes filled with tears, and so deeply was I touched and reminded of the importance of the simple, tender service that we can render to those around us. I was so humbled today by her generosity. And thankful. Julia…thank you.
OMG such a sweet gesture from her. How awesome for you.
Posted by: Sophia Allison | July 28, 2006 at 01:30 AM
What a beautiful lady. How lucky you are Heidi!
Posted by: Kelly Rodgers | July 28, 2006 at 01:38 AM
What a beautiful gesture!! And how sweet of your son to make the comparison!!! What a beautiful moment!
Posted by: Jane | July 28, 2006 at 02:10 AM
what a wonderful gift and moment
just awesome!
Posted by: Vee | July 28, 2006 at 02:17 AM
Wow ... thank you so much for sharing this wonderful moment you had with your friend and son. It brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by: Missy | July 28, 2006 at 03:51 AM
So wonderful to know that there are people in this world that still take the time to really show their love. What a caring thing to do! This story has inspired me to offer to do the same for a friend who is also pregnant and could use a little pampering! Thanks so much for sharing this sweet story, Heidi.
Posted by: Sarah | July 28, 2006 at 04:02 AM
The title of your blog was perfect. SERVICE. The giving of ones self. The highest gift a person can give. So glad you were able to accept with the love in which it was given. Your friend is truly an understanding woman.
Posted by: Cindy McDannold | July 28, 2006 at 04:30 AM
A beautiful moment with friend and son. It brought a tear to my eye, too. Thank you so much for sharing such a precious moment.
Posted by: DanniL | July 28, 2006 at 04:46 AM
isn't it funny and sad how we have such a hard time "receiving" as mothers...you said that you felt guilty...i can relate...and i think it's important to practice just feeling grateful (which can be hard to do)...thanks for sharing this story and i am so glad that your son has looked up to the best role model there is...Jesus...it made me think about a lot:)
Posted by: jamie | July 28, 2006 at 05:33 AM
Such a good reminder. Out of the mouths of babes... Not much longer for you! Hang in there! We are thinking of you.
Posted by: Lisa Russell | July 28, 2006 at 05:54 AM
To all of the above : I say dito and Heidie you are blessed - you know the old saying : what goes around, comes around - you must be a good giver to receive such a good deed. And well done to Cory. South African greetings. xxx Stay peaceful.
Posted by: Charmaine | July 28, 2006 at 06:07 AM
what a blessing... the foot rub and the tender moment with your son. you heart must be full.
Court
Posted by: Courtney | July 28, 2006 at 06:10 AM
Don't you know a foot rub is better than sex!!!! I use to give my neighbor foot rubs while she was pregnant and also doing delivery. It does something to woman!! makes them relax and find inner strength to keep moving. Reflexology is powerful stuff. Even if you haven't a clue as to what area's you are working - it works. I am glad you let go and finally enjoyed a moment. You are a hard worker and then you added pregnancy - the biggest masterpiece of all to the list. YOU DESERVED that massage.
Posted by: melissa Adak | July 28, 2006 at 06:27 AM
Wow! Heidi, your story brought tears to my eyes, too! You should be so proud of Corey for making that connection and proud of yourself for being such a wonderful mom. You DO deserve to be pampered! Thanks for sharing and blessings to you!
Posted by: Diane | July 28, 2006 at 06:59 AM
Ohhh! My eyes just got all teary... You have good friends. I have goosebumps. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story. We very often forget that we are on this earth to serve.
Posted by: Ana Magloire | July 28, 2006 at 07:10 AM
"Ditto" to all the comments thus far!! A few years ago, a good friend of mine brought all the good stuff to my house to give my feet a treat on my birthday...it truly is the most memorable gift I have ever received...selfless, humbling, such a great experience! Bless Cory for his understanding! You should be so proud of him...I'm so glad this special friend did this wonderful service for you :)
Posted by: Diane McVey | July 28, 2006 at 07:25 AM
OMG I think that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard come from a 7 year old boy's mouth. I think I am close to tears! I can only hope that my little baby boy (due August 24) will be half the little man your Cory has become! And the sweet lady who came to rub your feet, that is just too much...wish I had some action like that!
Posted by: Michelle Sanders | July 28, 2006 at 07:25 AM
I once asked my pedicurist what she enjoys about her job, and she gave the same answer as Cory! How sweet is that that your son is so in tune with such goodness... and that he really "gets it." You've obviously done a very good job of raising him!
Posted by: Lynne | July 28, 2006 at 07:26 AM
WOW, your friend Julia is a sweetheart and your son Cory is wonderful to have made the comparison!!!! WOW, what a great day for you!!!!
Posted by: Danielle | July 28, 2006 at 07:27 AM
what an amazing person and example...and how wonderful a person YOU are that your son recognized this act :) You totally deserve it for all you do for everyone else, Heidi. I hope you enjoyed :)
Blessings....
Posted by: Kelly Goree | July 28, 2006 at 07:29 AM
Wow Heidi--What a special treat from a special friend....and the neatest thing is, because you were willing to be humble enough to let someone RUB your FEET (!), look at the moment that happened! WOW---what a neat memory--Thinkin' here that you must SCRAP this! What a GREAT kid you have---:)Have a wonderful day...(Have you been looking at all those sweet little baby clothes yet?)
Mary Ellen
Posted by: Mary Ellen | July 28, 2006 at 07:46 AM
WOW. I'm reading your entry with tears running down my face. It's truely amazing of that woman to think of you and follow Christ's example. (It could also be that I'm crying because my baby girl was just born and I a whole ball of emotions lately.) That was awesome that your son picked up on the Bibilcal connection. Bless you as you wait for baby Swapp.
Posted by: Karalynn Tyler | July 28, 2006 at 08:01 AM
Perfect.
Posted by: Andrea | July 28, 2006 at 08:22 AM
Jesus and the desciples was the first thing that came to mind when I started reading your post. Julia obviously has a wonderful kind heart. I'm glad you let her do it. Sometimes our first instinct is to tell people no when they offer help, but I always try to remember that we don't have the right to take away their desire to serve. Now both of you have reeped the blessings of service. http://jolenegeorge.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Jolene George | July 28, 2006 at 08:24 AM
That sounds lovely - and how great is that to have friends like that? You're lucky :) Good luck with the upcoming personal event of yours :D
Posted by: Ania | July 28, 2006 at 08:38 AM