Inasmuch

When my daughter and her two young children visited me and we attended church together, the children always looked forward to seeing Bill.* Bill seemed to have a never-ending supply of chewing gum to hand out —a whole package for each child! More important to me than the chewing gum was the kindness Bill and his wife had shown during my husband’s last illness.

Such things are not easily forgotten.

Fast-forward thirty-three years after my husband’s death. Bill’s wife had also died. Bill’s birthday was approaching, and I wanted to do something special for him. Knowing his weakness for candy, I decided on a box of chocolates.

When the day came, I took the festively wrapped package to where he lived, anticipating his excitement. I found him sitting in the large living and dining room at a table, chewing on a small piece of candy that still had the wrapper on.

He seemed baffled by my gift and needed help opening it.

An expression of wonder came over his face when he saw the contents. He began, carefully and methodically, placing each piece of candy onto the table, eating as he went. You see, Bill, a World War II veteran and former police captain in a large city, was now in an assisted living home. His memory fading and hearing severely impaired, he depended on others for his most basic personal needs.

None of his family lived close; his visitors were few.

Life held little pleasure for him. Even though the mountain view from the front porch was beautiful and peaceful, he never cared to go outside.

When Bill started to put the remaining candy back into the box, I knew he was finished. One of the caregivers came to his assistance, assuring him that he could eat the rest later. I talked to him about the coming of Jesus when he will be reunited with his precious wife. We clasped hands as I offered prayer when it was time for me to leave. Why do I tell you about Bill? Because there may be someone like him whose day you could brighten, if only for a few minutes. Visiting can be awkward, but the present and eternal rewards are worth it. I rejoice in knowing that the time will come when all things, including Bill and many others like him, will be made new.

Lila Farrell Morgan