It was a hot sunny day . Yep , I know, when is it not ? I live in Santa Barbara. It’s like Ground Hog Day on repeat .

The Beach . Sea glass . My Jeep .

A block from home; a tent . A lemonade stand . Posters . A cause ?

Yep , let’s do a ” U ” e!

I park , put a 5 in the jar, and read the poster.

LEMONADE FOR LYME- AID !

Are you kidding me ,God ?

“Excuse me, who has Lyme disease ?”

The petite woman answers, ” My whole family . Me,my husband, and my kids .”

My heart hurt . No, not you , too !

We exchange stories. The process of misdiagnosis . The ongoing pain . The unanswered path of healing. The cost of fighting the CDC , and the financial stress of paying for treatment .

Five minutes later , she handed me a postcard , Love for Lyme Warriors : Help save our future !

I flipped over the card .

A doctor’s name . A support group meeting . A Facebook group .

“If you are free ; come tomorrow to Handlebar’s coffee shop . It is our monthly meeting .”

A group . A neighbor . A fellow Lyme warrior.

I turned to the car but looked back and reread the poster . To me it read ” Welcome to Santa Barbara, you are home and not alone .”

Thanks, Ashley . You were my gift .

” AND we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him ” Romans 8:28