When taking marriage vows, it includes for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. Over our many years of marriage, we have experienced all accept death. I once met an elderly man waiting in line for coffee at Panera. Looking outside, I said, ” What a miserable day out there!” He said, “Every day I wake up is a good one whether it be a storm, a hurricane or a blizzard. I am here and I am still alive,”he proclaimed with a little dance step.
Larry had back surgery– the damage was the result of years of construction work and sports-related accidents. The stress finally caused bulging discs, bone spurs and a pinched nerve that made it difficult for him to walk. Fortunately, our teacher and military pensions have covered the cost. But it’s July 2018 a very hot summer without air-conditioning and with a plethora of mosquitoes. It is testing our relationship. This is my former Marine husband who built our home, who tackled any task that came his way and who used his many gifts to help others. Now, I am his often inadequate caregiver and chauffeur. It has been difficult to see this happen but I thank God that Larry has a future. “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble.” Job 2: 10.
As I write this entry, I’m looking out the window at the flowers and trees in our yard. We are engulfed in a green splendor with a chorus of birds singing at 7 AM. A stillness helps me tune into my Creator with thanksgiving as we take each day for Larry to once again heal and do the things he loves. I think of those who will not heal and whose condition will worsen with time.
Yesterday, we got mail from World Vision about the child we sponsor. They asked us to consider sponsoring yet another child, a 12-year-old boy from East Africa. I was hesitant since we also have one from Compassion International: but Larry really wanted to help this boy. We read that one of the boys from the soccer team in Thailand trapped in the cave with his coach was a Compassion International boy. And that the boy who discovered where the team was located was also a Compassion International boy. Both organizations are doing great things to help kids in poverty grown up to have meaningful lives.
As we face trials, I am reminded of those who need far more help than we do. It’s a (For Better or Worse) time and we hope to learn the lessons God wants to teach us to develop a life of character and compassion for others. We know we are not alone—-thanks to family and friends. The better times will come.
