27 Comments
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Diane Beddingfield's avatar

Jan, that is a beautiful story. It is so amazing what a chance encounter can bring. Thank you for sharing. It definitely touched my heart. 🙏🏻

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Hope you had a Happy Easter, Diane! I was definitely blessed that day. ❤️

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judy m.'s avatar

Hi Jan. I loved your meeting with Arlene. I worked at WMart in OKC and Arlene used to shop in our store. She is the nicest person you would ever want to meet. So pretty, too. Saw her once in a TV ad here and had no idea she was involved in the bombing. I prayed for her a lot. Last night she was on the Those Changed Forever doc after the bombing ceremony. I cried hard for her. Again, she is so kind and pretty. I miss seeing her at the store, as I retired due to health. TY.

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

So awesome, Judy! Thanks for sharing and confirming how special she is. Take care of yourself. {{Hugs}} ❤️

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Dia Utterback's avatar

Jan, may I share my Oklahoma City Bombing connection. We buried our stillborn son, Andrew Vesper, on the one year anniversary. I distinctly remember that spring Northern California day with bright blue skies and big puffy clouds. That anniversary was in our hearts that day - April 19. 🙏😢❤️

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Dia. I can’t imagine what it is like losing & burying a baby. I’m sure it’s something you never forget. ❤️

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Karen Howells's avatar

Beautiful Easter reflection of a remarkable experience. It's wonderful to experience how the threads of our lives come together in our own tapestry. Happy Easter Jan.

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Thanks, Karen! God is amazing for sure. Thankful Jesus rose from the dead. Happy Easter! xoxo

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Pamela Eisen's avatar

Happy Easter, Jan!

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Happy Easter to you too, Pam. Hope all is well with you. xoxo

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Judy shull's avatar

Loved this! Made me stop and be thankful. Jim and I have been rushing around trying to get things ready for Easter. This was a great moment✝️

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Thanks, Judy! Happy Easter to you and Jim. Tell all the kids hello for me. xoxo

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Rita Waters's avatar

It’s amazing isn’t it how chance encounters touch your heart and you never forget. Loved this! Hugs.

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Yes, I love chance encounters when they happen. We are all so interconnected in this world. Happy Easter, Rita. Hugs.

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Brenda Batton Keller's avatar

He truly works in mysterious wonderful ways...........Happy Blessed Easter to the Stoneburner's XO

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

I’m always so amazed at how He works! Xoxo

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Brenda Ramper's avatar

What an awesome story and experience! Thanks for sharing❤️🙏

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Thanks for commenting, Brenda. I’m glad you liked it. I’ll never forget the experience. ❤️

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Cathey Cone's avatar

Wow! You just never know who God will put in your path. I have stood at that fence, now covered with photos and flowers. Such a sobering place. The Netflix documentary on the bombing is very well done, but I cried in several places.

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

That WAS such a sobering experience. I took a stone home from the pile of rubble and put it on my desk at school to help put life into perspective. I haven’t seen the documentary. I will have to watch it. Thanks!

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Lynn Headford's avatar

What a lovely story….Happy Easter Jan 🐥🐥🐥❤️

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Thanks, Lynn! It is a wonderful memory for me. {{Hugs}}

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Mary Richards's avatar

What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing Jan!

I remember to that day at the bombing, and I also remember to about praying for all the victims. The children and the parents of those children, it just broke my heart. But they say there’s always a bright side or goodness that comes out of everything bad, and through the years I have come to believe that. Blessings Jan.💜

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Cindy LaMantia's avatar

A beautiful life changing experience….divine intervention?✝️

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Patti Petersen's avatar

Happy Easter, Jan! This was an incredible experience, and just think of the randomness of it. That gift store sounds like a road trip kinda destination. I'm glad you shared Arlene with us. I remember exactly where I was that day... and thank goodness she is hear to remind us of Jesus and His gifts.

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Rose's avatar

Well, I suppose we all have bizarre things happen to us now and again. Although, I have to say, your story tops anything that has ever happened to me!

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Jan Stoneburner's avatar

Rose - You ought to hear about the time I found myself sitting beside Joelle Moses, the star of the British version of The Bodyguard. Jk Life is strange! Thanks for commenting. Xoxo

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