We just returned from a very relaxing weekend away in “Slots Vegas”. We have family there and were blessed with a hotel voucher for a free weekend stay at the beautiful Vdara hotel and spa. This is a smoke and casino free hotel. I was thrilled by the modern decor of dark woods and egg- shaped soaking tubs with plush crisp towels in high quanitities ( I am not eco-friendly when it comes to towels and linens when traveling)! I insisted that everything in our room be put away to maintain the glorious simplicity, my husband was this close to kicking me out, especially given the fact that I must disinfect all wipable surfaces and it was a weekend for him to “relax”. What?!

We met up with my family who were also in town at their time share. In Vegas many of the poolside waitresses are in swim suits. Our waitress had a very noticeable, jarring scar that graced her whole torso. My mother asked her if she is required to wear her bikini. She said they gave her an option to wear a one-piece but she is fine with it. She wears her badge proudly, it’s nothing compared to what she survived!

    She explained that while in a car six years ago (she was then 18) a drunk driver slammed into she and her sister after a birthday celebration for her sister’s 13 birthday. The airbag deployed and obliterated her insides. She recounted that her internal bleeding was so severe, blood ran from her eyes and ears. She had a 10% chance of survial! Miraculously, through her shock she was able to calm her little sister. After, she remained in a 2 1/2 month coma, the doctors told her mom that even if she survived she would ” be just a vegetable” (heard that one before). Her mom said “that’s O.K, she will be my vegetable”.

    By now my mom and I were both in tears. She remained in the hospital for six months total after four code blues. Her mother slept next to her every single night. The miracle was that she and her mother were not close and had a contentious relationship-until this. Our waitress said that she and her mom and  her 13 siblings (I know!) are closer than ever and speak on the phone daily. By the way; her little sister had just a broken arm but now drives like “an old lady” at age 19.

Her triumph is clearly a heavenly-orchestrated event. I realized as I sipped my free drink (she liked us) that God is ever present, in every city- at every moment. Even in a place dubbed “Sin City”. Praise God!