During the summer festivals I often work a table display for prevention. Since I am employed through the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services, during the school year, this creates a bit of summer mad-money .I go into schools in Madison and Union Counties as a Pax Partner.
During the London Strawberry Festival, I hooked with a Mennonite friend, Loretta. She used to substitute in Jonathan Alder Schools, and often subbed for me. She now sells Tupperware.
A few weeks later, as I was pulling out of the garage, a man with a huge smile pulled in with his big truck. As I saw he had a Tupperware package under his arm, I assumed that he was Loretta’s husband.
We began a friendly conversation and spoke of Loretta, and other people in the community that we both knew.
As our conversation began to subside, Jim changed the path of the conversation. “Sue, there’s someone that I knew that thought the world of you and always sang your praises.” “Who on earth? I interjected!” Jim answered, “Mary Yutzy.”
“My sweet Amish Mary…. I would never have survived without her! God brought her to me, Jim She was a saint! “ Tears welled in my eyes as I explained the following:
*After the birth of our second son in 1978, I went through horrible post-partum depression.
*I was home for 2 solid years, with no women friends around to speak of.
*Two of my Amish neighbors, that were so good to me, insisted that I take the cashier job at the local Amish restaurant. Since I’m such a people person, they realized that I needed to build relationships.
* Mary was hired to watch our 2 boys.
*Mary not only watched the boys, she cleaned the house.
*Mary not only cleaned the house, she did the laundry.
*Mary was the cog in the wheel,who helped me to drive the reconstruction of a new life.

“OK Jim. It’s your turn. How on earth were you connected with Mary?” The following is Jim’s account:
*I was a foster child and passed around.
*I was treated horribly in school and told that I was stupid.
*I was angry, rebelled, and was leading a sinful life.
*Then I worked with Steve Yutzy, Mary’s son.
*They took me into their home.
*I gave my life to The Lord.
* I met Loretta through their church.
*I’m a Christian husband a loving father… all of these years because of Mary and Steve Yutzy.

We finished our conversation in tears…happy tears. I hugged him and thanked God for the Divine Appointment that He had just given us to share.

So my friends, expect for God to show up anytime, anywhere, and in the wildest of situations.

Thank you Saint Mary for touching our lives!
Sue and Jim