My Miracle Story! Easter Sunday 2020 (by Parish from La.)
I have to share this with you, and I cannot explain it; however, I will try. I was down in the hospital [with COVID-19] and thought my world was crashing around me. I was so sad, crying for [my loved ones who have COVID-19 or might have it]. I was a basket case. I was just so sad for everyone in the hospital. I mean, if you had seen me, you would have thought I was checking out, and everyone I loved was coming with me. And then came a little knock on my door and my nurse comes in and says, “Good Evening Parish. How are you doing?”
Well…I am a big guy. I pop up and say what I always say to everyone when asked that question: It’s another day in paradise. I am here to fight another day. Still, inside, I am struggling with the fact that this could be [the end of my life]. But then Kelli, my nurse says, “Parish, the Catholic Church dropped these MP3 players loaded with music on them for our patients to listen to. Would you like one?” I said, sure, I would love one.
I read the information that was in a little blue pouch. I read the bottom of the card, [Please pray for] for the special intentions of Maria Mandras. I learned that it was Sounds of Peace, and the artist was Kitty Cleveland. (I have shared this little MP3 player with Tracey. I know it will bring her great peace too. God speaks to us through other people and in many ways). Little did I know my life would change right then and there.
As soon as I turned on the music a calm came across my body. All my doubts, fears, and sickness left my body. I felt inspired and loved by God. The doctor came in and said you look too healthy to be here. Would you like to go home? I started to cry again.
I thank everyone for all the prayers. I appreciate the healthcare providers at Lakeview Regional Medical Center that took care of me. I so love my wife Julie, who never gave up praying and fighting for me to be on the right medications. I thank all the friends who never quit praying for me. I thank Sounds of Peace and Kitty Cleveland for the fantastic music that they sent to me at my lowest point. I thank my teammates and friends who prayed for me. I thank my friend Scot who drove 2.5 hours one way to give me medication that would fight the virus, and I thank God for not leaving me and sending all these things my way to protect me. I still pray for everyone who is ill and have no one to pray for them.
COVID-19 is no joke. It takes over your lungs, and you cannot breathe…Life is so short, and you will not believe how many of your friends are praying for you. All thoughts and prayers are so appreciated!
Stay safe & be well! Happy Easter!!!! Without God, there is no hope. Through the resurrection, God gives us his Mercy and Grace to be a Light to the World today and every day! HE IS ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! COVID-19 is a wake-up call to the World!
Note from Kitty: I’m so in awe. God is great! If you would like to learn more about the Sounds of Peace project and how you can get one for yourself or a loved one or someone in need (I donate $100 worth of music and prayer for each one!), please got to www.kittycleveland.com/soundsofpeace.