Christmas came early for Terry Mull — and as unexpectedly as if Santa Claus himself had suddenly appeared with the most precious gift of all. After being hospitalized with pneumonia and congestive heart failure following the plane ride back from Tampa last year, and celebrating her grandson Galvin’s first Christmas, she was now resigned to the fact that she should not risk a plane ride again. And precious family seemed almost a continent away. Every day her missing Gavin was more intense.

Her birthday in September was coming up and we were told an old friend and we were told an old friend would be in Tucson for business that week and be sure to stay in town. The doorbell rang early in the afternoon on her birthday and a good friend of her daughter Farrah said: “Come see what I have for you in the car.” There was Gavin, all smiles, and parent Ivan and Farrah in for a week as a special gift for Terry’s birthday. (The “old friend” never showed, of course — it was ruse to keep us home).

What a week it was! Gavin took many steps to grandma. Family pictures were made, shopping so grandma could outfit mom (expecting her second child), and meals made by culinary expert Ivan. It was indeed the most precious of gifts Terry could have received — and filled with precious memories that will last forever.

Yes, unexpected prayers are answered — to take us on the rest of life’s bumpy road.