The Right Wrong Number

<http://www.guideposts.com/story/mysterious-ways-right-wrong-number>http://www.guideposts.com/story/mysterious-ways-right-wrong-number
 




I was still mourning my husband when I dialed…

By Linda Paules, Woodbridge, Virginia
May, 2009

Five months after my husband Ralph’s death, I was still in mourning.

We met when I was a single mother with one child, 
my daughter, Nancy, and he was a single father 
with a daughter, Michelle. He was quiet and 
soft-spoken and I’m the chatty type. We liked each other instantly.

For 23 years we had a good marriage, going to 
church together, raising our two daughters. He 
worked in intelligence and had a very demanding 
career. We looked forward to the day when he’d 
retire and we’d have more time together.

Unfortunately, his retirement didn’t last long. 
He was diagnosed with advanced gall bladder 
cancer. The doctors gave him only six months to 
live. Thanks to the prayers of our church, family 
and friends, he lasted two years. In the end, 
though, he was in such pain his death was a release.

But, oh, how I missed him! And though I’d decided 
to give away his clothes to people at church who 
could use them, just the sight of one of his 
sweaters on a friend would bring tears to my 
eyes. If only I could find some comfort in my grief.

One afternoon I had to call a friend. I’d jotted 
her number down on a scrap of paper. Evidently 
I’d gotten the number wrong because a stranger on 
the phone answered. I was about to hang up when 
she said, “Is this Linda? The Linda who was married to Ralph Paules?”

“Yes,” I said. “But how do you know us?”

“I recognized your name on my caller ID. I worked 
with Ralph for a while, as did my dad. Ralph was 
a wonderful man. I know you must miss him so 
much.” We spent a few more minutes­precious 
minutes­talking about my husband. “If you ever 
need anything,” she added, “you have my number.”

Yes, I thought as I hung up, and I know who else 
has your number, the wrong number that turned out just right.


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