My Dad has always been a hard-working man. I believe not being able to do all the things he could once do without help has been the hardest thing about being sick. Sometimes he still will push himself to mow their yard. But if someone else beats him to that task, he at least has to be outside to sit and watch them.
Back when he was physically well, if he was not outside working on something, then he would be just out walking around the property. Sometimes even in the middle of the night if he couldn’t sleep. The weakness in his feet and legs now prevents him from doing a lot. These days he always has a cane or his walker to assist him in getting around.
One day when we had to go to town, my husband found a digital bicycle horn. It will play several different sounds. We took it to my Dad and attached it to his cane that he was using at the time. Of course, he had to play around and push each button. We all had a good laugh.
When his next round of chemo started, he entertained the nurses with the horn. When he got ready to leave, he played the sound of a car doing a burnout as he unsteadily walked along. He was quite the hit.
The next day when he got called to go earlier than he had been scheduled for his treatment, he didn’t have time to switch the bell from his cane to his walker, but he needed the walker because of being weak and dizzy. When he arrived at Levine, the nurses wanted to know where his bell was. When he got home that day, he made sure to get the bell put on his walker and was prepared to use it the rest of the week. And again the next round of treatment he had. That little bell has brought much laughter.
We often take so much for granted in our lives. But watching my Dad and Mom deal with so much has taught me invaluable lessons. We should cherish each moment and each task we have to do. Even the mundane ordinary things that we complain about doing. For one day we may need assistance in doing them.
My Dad loved to witness to others as he went about his active life. He recently stated that one thing that bothered him about being sick was the feeling of not being able to witness and minister to others like he once did. I don’t think he realizes how much just sharing the joy that comes from a little bell means to those around him. Or the kind words he shares with the ladies at Levine. Or getting to visit neighbors and family sitting on the carport. Or waving at each and every car that passes by, whether he knows them or not. All those little things mean a lot. Not just to him, but to the ones who are blessed by the humble and kind man that imparts so much wisdom when you just sit with him and chat. The man I’m proud to call my Dad.
It matters, Dad. You matter. And God isn’t finished with you yet. Keep blowing that horn.
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure.” Proverbs 15:16 NASB
Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make His deeds known among the peoples.
2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Tell of all His wonders.
3 Boast in His holy name; May the heart of those who seek the Lord be joyful.
4 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually. Psalm 105:1-4 NASB