In His Hands

© 2011 by Carolyn Melton Vames. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 08/25/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4490-8067-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4490-8068-6 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011913605

Printed in the United States of America

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. All rights reserved.

Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Wanted Baby Girl!

A Pint-Size Miracle

Easter Day Visitor

A Life-Saving Decision

Battle on the Mountain

Catastrophe at the Drive-Thru

Mr. Right

Our Sonshine

A Place to Call My Own

CONCLUSION

Dedication

For my precious family Chris, Justin, and Christian. You all have inspired me throughout the journey of writing this book.

Chris, your faith in me and your love for Jesus are apparent not only in words but also in your faith-filled actions. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you for helping me to finally fulfill my God-given dream of writing this book. I love you and the boys so very, very much!

Introduction

When my oldest son, Justin, was just a toddler, I had to live with my parents a good while because I was having a difficult time financially. That was when my precious mom and I developed a wonderful bond in our relationship. It was as if she became a close friend as well as my mother. We’d chat quite frequently about nearly anything, whether it was playful or serious.

I loved our time together and tried to soak up as much of her God-given wisdom as I possibly could. For I knew how much she loved the Lord and how very savvy she was, by watching her over the years as I grew up. I found it ironic that now as an adult I would seemingly heed her advice and use it, because on the flip side, as a strong-willed child, I certainly tried to resist it more times than not. Now that I was all grown up and with a child of my own, I was seeing things in a whole new light. One that is gives more clarity through the many facets of your life as it is progresses, as you grow older and become a parent, etc.

Not only had I begun to see things differently, I also began to attach different values to a variety of things in my life. Obviously, my little guy’s loving care topped my list of priorities. For there was no way he could possibly care for himself yet. He helped to put the joy in my life and the spring in my step with his bright blue eyes and sweet little spirit.

Although Justin was my number-one priority, there was one who I knew well who ranked far above him—One I knew I could not and would not want to live a single day without. His name is Jesus, and I knew him to be the giver of life itself. When I was twelve, I had received him as my Lord and Savior. I had no doubt that, ever since I was a tiny baby, Jesus had been there for me, supernaturally guiding and protecting me numerous times from my adversary the devil. I was certain that I would literally be eternally grateful. For I knew that since I was right with God, one day when I leave this earth, I unmistakably would go to be with him for all eternity. Knowing this, it weighed heavy on my mind that I had dearly loved friends and family who didn’t know him. This being so, I knew that unless they asked him into their hearts, they would never reach heaven. For it is written in God’s Word:

That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

One evening before bed, I shared my concerns with my mom, telling her I wished I were bold enough to share Jesus with those I loved who didn’t know him. Though I hated to stand idly by and do nothing, I didn’t have the nerve. I asked if she had any ideas herself, and she replied, I know what we can do. We can pray in agreement about it. Then maybe God will give you some insight or an idea in a dream while you sleep tonight. We did exactly that: we prayed together, after which it was time to call it a night. Unbelievably, as I slept that very night I had the most wonderful dream…

I dreamt I was walking into a large bookstore with rows and rows of books. As I walked closer to the shelves, I noticed the most peculiar thing: all the books were absolutely identical, and every one was white in color. I then drew closer and closer to them, until I could see that the cover of each one had my picture on it. I remember feeling very surprised at this discovery, but I felt very excited as well. It was evident when I awoke the next morning what God was asking me to do. He had laid it out and made it all crystal clear for me. I was to write a book about my life. I intuitively knew the purpose was to give him all the glory for what he has done for me.

Needless to say, the book that you hold in your hands is that very book that I was led to write some 19 years ago. Granted, thank goodness it didn’t take me nearly that long to write. However, I’ve been at it the past two years, and in my estimation that’s long enough. It’s been a long journey, but a joyful one most of the time. It’s been fun and exciting to write, even though a few times I came close to throwing in the towel.

At one of those points I was dangerously close to calling it quits. I’ll never forget it. I had contemplated the whole thing and was then in the process of trying to justify my actions. One morning, I was making the bed in my youngest son, Christian’s, room and grumbling out loud to myself about how hard it was to write the book. Without hesitation, the Holy Spirit simply responded by saying, Do you think it was easy for me to crawl up on that cross? His unexpected words stunned me to the core because he had managed to catch me totally off guard.

I can tell you my whole attitude changed at that precise moment. It was as if a new, stronger determination was birthed in me right there, and I knew it was imperative that I finish the book for my precious Savior, Jesus. This verse in the Word only serves to confirm that with him beside you, nothing is too hard:

. . . for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)

During my writing journey I have continued to keep my eyes on him and remember all that he has already done for me up on that cross. He gave me the greatest gift of all: an eternity promised with him and a love greater than any other. For it is written:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

That being said, I also know beyond a doubt that without God’s divine intervention and protection time after time in my life, I wouldn’t be alive today. The pages of this book serve as a living testament of God’s love for me. For I have seen, and know firsthand, that his love knows no bounds, and his mercy endures forever.

Acknowledgements

Very special thanks to…

Jesus. Because without your divine guidance and love for me, there would be no book. There would be no story to tell. And this priceless writing experience would not have been mine.

Chris. You are truly a gift from God. Your patience, encouragement, and support are more than I could have ever hoped. Your unconditional love for me is a treasure.

Justin and Christian. I adore you both. I feel very blessed that God graciously gave you to me. You bring such indescribable joy to my heart!

Mom and Dad. You always believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. Your love shaped me. For that I will always be grateful. I’m sure heaven is a better place with you there.

Mark and Beth. For being there and lending a hand whenever I needed you. I will never forget your patience and help. I couldn’t have done it without either of you!

Paul and Marty. For your willingness to do whatever you could, at the drop of a hat. You are the best in-laws ever.

Dr. Robertson. For taking the time to share pertinent information with me regarding my delivery and birth.

Gitchell’s Photography for releasing copyright on our wedding portraits.

First Foto for releasing copyright on Christian’s newborn hospital portrait.

And to all my friends and family. My life is better with you in it. My VWC family and friends. To each person who laid a hand and prayed a prayer regarding this book, I am eternally grateful.

The AuthorHouse team. For all your support, time, and work in assembling a beautifully finished product. Thank you.

Wanted Baby Girl!

I came into this world March 7, 1963. at King’s Daughters Hospital in Staunton, Virginia. Sadly, the circumstances surrounding my birth were not the happiest by far. For I was the by-product of an extramarital affair. In addition, my birth mother was very ill when I was born and could not properly take care of me. So although it must have broken her heart; it was because of this and her love for me that she decided to put me up for adoption. After the formality of signing a sea of papers, she gave up all legal rights to me—which left me, therefore, lawfully an orphan and thus a ward of the state.

However, my story doesn’t end there, because while I lay in the hospital nursery (just a few days old), God was already at work on my behalf. Being the loving Father that he is, he was already lining things up and had other plans for me. Being true to his promises, he wasted no time making them come to fruition in my life. As it is written in his Word:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

It’s an awesome story, one that I’d like to share with you. Here is how it all came to pass, as told to me by my precious parents and the sweet doctor who delivered me, Dr. Jesse Robertson:

My birth mother was expecting me when she was first admitted to the psychiatric hospital. Now it just so happened that Dr. Robertson was the chief of medical services there at that time. Some months passed before her due date. Finally my mother went into labor, and it came close to time for me to be born. She was quickly transported to King’s Daughters Hospital to prepare for my arrival, because the psychiatric hospital did not have the proper and complete maternity facilities that were needed.

Immediately upon my birth mother’s arrival and admission to KDH, Dr. Robertson was contacted and informed of my impending birth. He arrived just a short time later with his nurse. He recalled that after an easy labor and just a little while later (one to three hours), at 8:40 a.m. I made my big debut into the world. Before officially giving up all rights to me, my birth mother gave me what she considered the beautiful name of Michelle Sue. (Years later, in her own words she told me, You were a beautiful baby. So I gave a beautiful name to a beautiful baby.) After a short stay, she was transported back to the psychiatric hospital. However, as I said earlier I was left in the hospital nursery…

Now it just so happened that Dr. Robertson, the doctor who delivered me, attended the same church as my future parents, Garland and Ann Melton. In fact, they knew each other well and interacted and spoke with one another often at church and affiliated functions. On the Sunday morning following my birth, Dr. Robertson and my soon-to-be mom were in the same Sunday school class together. After the class dismissed, as they were on their way out the door, Dr. Robertson nonchalantly broached the subject of me directly to her. I’m certain this was no accident on his part, and knowing how my mother was, this probably intrigued her as well. They parted ways with the understanding that she would share this exciting news with my soon-to-be dad.

Although it may not have been common knowledge, they were very interested in adopting a child, specifically a much desired little girl. If you’re thinking it was possibly coincidence, I would have to strongly disagree. Only God in heaven could have orchestrated something as beautiful as this. He took something ugly and turned into a beautiful masterpiece.

Mom kept her word and went home and spoke with Dad regarding me. That started the ball rolling, and within a short time they had gotten the local Social Services involved. I don’t know a lot of details concerning that aspect of my adoption, but of this I’m certain: the caseworker that Mom and Dad were assigned to was named Mrs. Rice. Over the course of the first week following my birth, I’m not certain how the details played out. However, things must’ve moved rather quickly. Exactly one week later, on March 14, I was taken (via a caseworker coincidentally named Mrs. Robertson) to my new family, the Meltons, and my permanent home on 60 Beverley Court, Staunton.

My precious mother (who has already gone to be with the Lord) vividly recalled, One of the things that I remember most about that day was your father being so proud of you. So much in fact that it seemed he went and pulled every Tom, Dick, and Harry off the street. He didn’t really care if he knew them or not, he just wanted to show off his little girl. If that doesn’t prove that I was really wanted from the start, I don’t know what does. In addition, that is also proof positive that God gave me his very best when he hand-picked my parents. Knowing me as He does and them as well, he decided we were a perfect fit together or as the old adage goes It was a match made in heaven. For me this entire situation resonates in the scripture below that I just recently found in God’s Word:

. . . for in you the fatherless find compassion. (Hosea 14:3)

When I first came to live with my new family, the Meltons, I had two older brothers, David and Mark. However, three years later, we were joined by yet another sibling, a little sister named Beth. Like all families growing up, we occasionally had our ups and downs, but one thing we were never short on was love for one another. I’m happy to report that to this day that still holds true. My mom seemingly was the glue that held us all together, but two years after her passing we know now she was only part of it. Because my precious dad without question has shown all four of us he was the other fifty percent of that glue, always ready when needed.

It’s abundantly clear that God certainly has blessed me. To think it all started with being orphaned at birth. Only God in heaven could take such dire circumstances and turn them around to produce something wonderful. He gave me the gift of love when he gave me my precious family, and a loving home.

This is one of first pictures taken of me in my new home, here in a cradle. I’m probably about one month old.

Next, I want to give you just a glimpse of the love I felt as I grew up with my God-given family. To do that I’ve written a little something about each of my siblings and my mom and dad.

My dad will always be a significant symbol of strength, love, and integrity to me—not only as I was growing up, but still, today and forever. I watched him work diligently throughout the years to put a roof over our heads and food on the table. There were times when I know he felt way too bad to go to work, but he did anyway, perhaps truly for fear of losing his job and not being able to provide for us. Out of forty-five years of work, I believe he only missed four days. That still simply astounds me. I believe there can never be another dad equal to him, except my heavenly one. He is precious beyond the words to describe him, and I feel absolutely blessed to have been able to call him