27 October 2001
Subject: Miss Marie
Dear Ones,
Almost five years ago, Leavon and I
volunteered to take care of an elderly neighbor we call Miss Marie. She was
widowed and had no family living nearby We thought it was the least we could
do.
In her mid-nineties, Miss Marie's health
was failing and Leavon was frequently driving her to her doctor's
appointments. After several stints in the hospital, the doctor finally
announced that she could not go home to live by herself anymore. We had no
other option, but to place her in a local nursing home (about 15 miles away).
That was in May of 1998.
We visit Miss Marie in the nursing
home every Sunday after church and usually see her 2-3 other times during the
course of the week. Needless to say, this requires an extra effort on our
behalf, but we wouldn't want it any other way. In fact, we are thankful for
our association with Miss Marie (and her fellow nursing home residents)
and, most assuredly, have gotten much more out this situation than we have
given.
Almost each time we visit the
nursing home, we take away a life lesson. You would be surprised at what one
learns from such visits to the ailing elderly. I think this is God's way of
educating uncaring, ungiving and uncompassionate human beings.... maybe
with the implied understanding that "there but by the grace of God, go
I".
We are certain to miss this lady
when God calls her home, but from all indications, she will most probably
outlive us all. Just this week, we held a birthday party for Miss Marie. She
was 98 years old. When I asked her if she enjoyed her birthday party, she
answered, "Yes. Thank You!" I said, "No, Miss Marie. Thank
You!!"
If you think you have nothing in
your life to be thankful for, I suggest you make a visit to a nursing home.
Maybe, like Leavon and me, you'll take away a few life lessons and come away
with a heart full of gratitude.
Have a blessed day and don't forget
to take another marble out of the jar.
Don
Happy Birthday