Today I visited a dear one in the hospital. I was there on monday and he was having such a rough time, I wasn't able to go into his room. Today, I arrived and peeked into his room, he saw me and waved me in. I pointed to the door....family ONLY. He waved me in anyway. He was struggling to breath. He had two oxygen supplies, one directly into the nose, and then a mouth and nose cap feeding him more. Still he fought for every breath. I held his hand, told him I loved him. Tears fell from his eyes. He tried to talk. He pulled his mask away and said he hoped to see his children before he died. They are all in another state and making arrangements to get here to see him. I hope they make it!
This man showed true christian love to me this past year. He is not an elder, he is a man who cares. He stopped by often, he brought my mags, which I couldn't find time to pick up, he came to encourage, to pray with me and my daughter. He had no hidden motive. He had compassion and empathy for us, he was disgusted with the lack of care the elders had given when our family fell a part. He has a deep love of people.
He reached for his already written obituary to show me. It was beautiful. It was about him, the man.
I kissed him tenderly, I told him I would see him again. I hope and pray I will! I'll miss him until then!