I couldn’t sleep. I threw back my covers, grabbed my phone, and crept into the other room. Several questions kept running through my mind.

How am I going to do this?
What was I thinking?
Why did I even sign up for this?

Honestly, I knew why. Because I really, REALLY wanted to go to this writers’ conference. Multiple sclerosis has stolen so much from me. I wasn’t going to let it take this away too. I just needed a plan. And I thought I had one.

First, I would make sure I was prepared. I wasn’t familiar with the conference center, so I posted a question on Facebook, asking about the layout of the facilities. The responses literally kept me up at night.

There’s a ton of walking up and down hills and in between buildings.
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes. Classes are spread across a very large campus.
The walk can be challenging—even for someone in good shape.

Fine. So, I would need Curt’s help. I didn’t love the idea, but if that’s what it took for me to attend, so be it. I would swallow my pride and ask him to push me around in a wheelchair. But as the conference date drew closer, my plan fell apart.

“I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to help you.” Curt swiped at his phone, checking his schedule. “I’ve got meetings while you’re at the conference.”

My heart dropped. Then I remembered a comment someone left me on Facebook.

I’d be happy to assist you … -Maureen

At first, I was thrilled. But then I panicked. Poor Maureen didn’t know what she had signed up for. As I sat in the dark at three a.m., I sent her a difficult message.

As I’m thinking about class locations and various one-on-one meeting times and lunch and dinner—and all the other great stuff this conference has to offer—I need to be realistic. I’m afraid I’ll need more help than I initially thought. I was hoping my husband could help, but he will be working that week, which means he’ll be busy attending virtual meetings and taking phone calls. I’ll definitely take whatever help you can give me, but it’s not fair for me to monopolize your time and your conference experience.

The following morning, I had a message from Maureen. The first thing she said:

I have a plan.

And boy, did she! She mapped out the best routes for us to take. She pushed me up steep hills and, on the way back down, held on tightly so I wouldn’t go barrelling out of control. She got me where I needed to be, when I needed to be there. I absolutely couldn’t have done it without her.

It was a fantastic conference. I met tons of writers and had so much fun. I learned about publishing, social media, and ways to improve my craft. Most importantly, I learned that even when plans fall apart, wonderful, unexpected things can happen.

God gave me a helper, but even better, He gave me a sweet, new friend.

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