ON NOVEMBER 22, 1963, Annie Shapiro was watching the news of the assassination of John F. Kennedy when she suffered a massive stroke.
Annie's husband rushed her to the emergency, but the doctors could not help—so he brought Annie home and cared for her.
For some time, Annie's eyes were wide open, and her husband put drops of water in them to prevent them from drying out.
Martin, Annie's husband, bathed and dressed her. He also slept next to her.
While in a coma, she had cataract surgery, hysterectomy, and hip replacement.
One day, twenty-nine years later, she snapped out of it.
Martin was sitting next to her when she suddenly sat up and said, "Turn on the TV. "
He could not believe his eyes, and she could not believe her eyes either.
When Annie looked in the mirror, she was devastated by her appearance.
Once, she was a young-looking woman—but Annie had become a 79 year-old grandma with bags and wrinkles.
When Martin explained to Annie that she has been sleeping for decades, it was inconceivable to her.
Annie had no idea that man had walked on the moon—she did not know what a computer was, and she had not seen a coloured TV.
She had no memories of the 29 years.
Martin slowly told her that their children were now middle age, and they had children of their own.
When Annie asked to speak with their first son, Martin dialled his number and handed her the phone.
She was startled that the phone was cordless—above all, she cried over lost time.
For the next two days, she talked about what she had missed: the various family events and news of lost siblings and friends.
Annie was a woman without memories.
LIKE ANNIE, Hannah was married to a loving man, but he was polygamous.
In her time, it was customary for men to have two wives.
Elkanah had two wives: Peninnah had sons and daughters, and Hannah was barren.
Every year, they went to worship and sacrifice to God at Shiloh. (1 Samuel 1:1-5)
Although having children was part of the culture, her infertility did not matter to her husband.
EVERY TIME they went to Shiloh, Peninnah provoked Hannah to tears.
She would weep and not eat, but her husband would try to encourage her.
He would ask her, "Why are you weeping? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:11)
If you are suffering any form of shame, share it with someone who understands. It will help you better handle the situation and heal.
ONE DAY, after they had finished eating, Hannah stood up and walked to the temple.
In her deep anguish, she prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.
"Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." (1 Samuel 1:11)
When you are overwhelmed with grief and despair, cry out to God. (Psalmist 61:2)
He who sees in the secret will reward you in the open.
Let God be your rescue story
THERE was no leadership—Israel was in a dark place.
While people were waiting for the light of God, God was looking for someone to send.
When she made the vow, Hannah keyed into His plan. She offered her son, who was yet to be conceived.
Hannah gave her all, and God was pleased.
What have you done for Him lately?
HANNAH conceived and had a son.
She named him Samuel—saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him." (1 Samuel 1:19)
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
HER LIFE was one of fear, fraught and faith.
Hannah cried from the depths of despair, and God became her rescue story.
She moved from the ache of anxiety to the calm of contentment.
Today, we celebrate mothers worldwide—especially those who are selfless and have given their all.
Happy Mother's day!
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