4 PM Appointment

Here I sit, finally able to blog. Sorry for the down time, but I hope you all enjoyed the cartoon for a week! For those who still don't get it, the bird on the right is holding a "bill," bird bill.... NOW, do you get it??
Today was another long day of work... well sort of. We were told by my wonderful boss that if we finished everything up, we could leave, so we did. Only thing is, I had an appointment with a family at their home at 4 pm, so my day was pretty much shot. I spent most of the afternoon finishing up shopping for a final gift for Kim and then went to Joseph's to wrap it. That killed the time I needed until 4.
When I went to this appointment, I found myself realizing that today was really becoming a great Christmas Eve. See, the reason I went to their home was because the widower was crippled and had a real hard time getting around. We had the service for his wife, who died with cancer, about 2 weeks ago and I was finishing up paperwork with them and just wanted to visit with them a bit. Before I went, I was dreading the afternoon appointment. I was asking myself why they had to pick 4 pm on Christmas Eve, when everyone else was off, to have an appointment with me.
I arrived early in hopes of finishing up early, but the longer I was there, I found myself just wanting to talk to him, be there for him, minister to him. After leaving I realized that it was just what I needed to get me into the spirit of the season. See, this man lost the one person who took care of him, the person who stepped up and provided for him when he became disabled. He has heart trouble, neuropathy, diabetes, and numerous other problems that make it difficult for his day-to-day tasks. Here I was wanting to hurry and get to MY time with MY family doing MY thing, beginning MY Holiday traditions, when he lost his wife and his holiday traditions. Yes, he still has his daughters who love him dearly, but he lost his companion, the one who did so much for him, the one whom he loved so dearly.
It made me slow down and just listen to him. He talked about yesterdays and all the good times he had with her and shared so much that I think he just needed to let out.
Before it was all over, he had inspired me. He showed me how to not give up, but to keep giving. He was talking about walking again! He hasn't walked in 2 years!! He showed me his garage and told about how he was going to install a walking bar so that he could do "up-downs" until he built up the strength to stand and eventually walk again.
He blessed me with his courage and with his strength. He got me thinking about all the things I am blessed to have and where I am today. It has changed my day completely and I am so happy I had this 4 pm appointment I so dreaded. Thank you Tony for sharing with me and blessing me with your stories.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you have a great holiday and are able to spend it with the ones you love, and if you get a chance, remember all of those, like Tony, who have lost a loved one this season and say a prayer for them. These are the times they need us most.

-approved by Farley Wells, CMDI.