I was driving home from the library when
My conscience urged me to stop at the
Nursing home which was right next door.
But my practical nature told me I didn't
Have the time.
An elderly man from church has lived at
The "inn" for a number of months, but
I hadn't yet visited him.
My conscience won this time and I pulled
Into the parking lot.
Once inside I asked for directions to the
Gentleman's room.
As I walked down the hallway I came
Face to face with a sweet friend my
Daughter's age.
She was distraught.
Her morning had been a weepy one as
She grieved the loss of a friend.
And visiting her mom in the facility had
Not gone well.
Her mother's dementia put a barrier
Between them, and the daughter was
Heartbroken.
When she saw me she walked into my
Arms wiping tears from her eyes.
Together we sat on a bench in the hallway.
I listened.
I consoled.
I prayed.
When she headed home I headed to my
Friend's room.
When he saw me he was overjoyed, for
He loves to have visitors.
The once strong but now frail man has a
Sense of humor, but our laughter was
Interspersed with hard truths.
"I can't do anything by myself.
I can barely turn over in bed.
I feel so worthless."
I combed his hair.
I prayed with him, and together we
Sang an old hymn, "To God Be the Glory."
"Please come back," he urged.
"Please come back."
I determined I will do just that.
And I won't wait for the nudge.