Touch a life. Change a life. 

I have to admit that has somewhat been my philosophy that I never wrote down. Until now.  I’m writing it because of something that happened yesterday. A little bit of background will help. I have been visiting the mother (I’ll call her Jane) of a lady in the church who began coming sometime in 2024.  Jane had a stroke, spent some time in the hospital and was released to a rehab hospital where they did wonders with her! But her time there ended and they found a nursing home that did rehab. I have tried to visit at least once or twice a week just to stay in touch. She also likes me to pray for and with her. 

Last Saturday was my first chance to visit Jane in her new digs and when I got there they were preparing for lunch. Sitting at her table was a man (I’ll call him James) not much older than me-very lucid, very intelligent, and very talkative. I missed one. He was also very caring. As I sat to talk with Jane, I also struck up a conversation with James. It seems like James didn’t like it that Jane often sat alone eating, so he left his seat and came to sit with Jane at her table. James had an artificial knee (like me) that got infected. One month later it still has not cleared up. (I’ll not tell you anymore of that since it is a privacy issue). I had a really interesting conversation with James about hunting (which I know nothing about), his family, and the cabin they use to stay at while hunting in the Upper Peninsula. He was missing being with them. I listened and we also chatted back and forth, as well as with Jane. Before I left I prayed for Jane at her request and I asked James if I may pray for him as well. He acted surprised but said, “Yes.” 

Fast forward to yesterday. Jane’s daughter was able to get the man’s name (I failed to) and told me he was to be released tomorrow (Thursday). I wanted to see him again to see how he was doing so I went to visit Jane. She was out like a light, i.e. sawing a big tree!  Rather than wake her, I dropped in to see James. I knocked and after about 5 seconds he remembered me. He is not getting out tomorrow, but does have an appointment about his knee. We visited about 10 minutes and then I said it was time to leave. As I walked out the door he said, “Thank you for visiting me.”

I was glad to do so and hearing that made it worth it. I just hope his wife forgives him (and me) for leaving their conversation to chat with me! 🙂