Off the Wall Favorites

Is that you? After saying a little prayer before entering a nursing home, we entered through two double doors and proceeded to go inside. My friend and I decided to discuss whom we would visit that day. It was kind of a ritual by now. Seeing a number of familiar faces, we greeted each by name, spent a few minutes talking to them, and then moved on. That was our approach, and we felt very comfortable with it. No matter which way we went, long corridors appeared in front of us. As people of habit, we usually worked counter-clockwise, depending which facility we visited. Sometimes my friend would visit one resident on one side of the hallway, and I, across the way. So, here we walked, discussing whatever came to mind, when all of a sudden I hear a faint call, “Paul, is that you?” I stopped dead in my tracks. Two things crossed my mind. Nobody ever calls me Paul, and second, who would know me to greet me as such. “Paul,” a quiet speaking older woman called, “I’m over here. Come over and talk to me.” I turned and headed right toward the person who I believed was trying to get my attention. I walked right up to her. She displayed a great big smile on her face followed by an embarrassing question, “Don’t you remember me?” I had to be perfectly honest. I wasn’t going to lie. I wanted to be tactful, but, on the other hand, I knew lying was a sin, so I knew I had but only one choice. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I know it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you and my memory is not that good anymore.” Maybe that was a white lie, maybe not. In any case, I thought I was doing what was right. “Isabel, Isabel Jackson,” she exclaimed. “Oh, my gosh!” I blurted out. “It is so good to see and talk to you. It has been a long time.” “How are the kids,” she asked. I’m always touched when people ask about our son and daughter. “They must be up in age now, and probably just as successful as their dad.” I wanted to give this lady a hug. I could sense the love coming from her heart. It was simply wonderful. There was no other way to describe it. She then wanted to know more about my life, and what I had done since I saw her last. It was simply a moment to treasure. “How long has it been since I saw you last, do you think?” By the time we put our thinking caps on together, we figured out, we may have worked together briefly approximately 25 years ago at Kennametal in Latrobe. After that, I believe I saw her in church occasionally with her father, Albert, but only a number of years. He was a wonderful man with a wealth of information. I remember encountering him one afternoon at a nearby lake. He loved to fish. Making spoons for that purpose was his favorite past-time pleasure. I watched him display his tactical maneuvers. When he cut loose one lure and changed to another, he would share his many fishing adventures. What a treat, to say the least. There are a lot of Isabels and Alberts in nursing homes that need a loving touch, but rarely get visitors. Stopping by for 10 minutes, for example, can make a tremendous difference to those who may feel abandoned. God calls us to share His love with others. Maybe if in the future, the Holy Spirit inspires you to visit someone confined to a bed, wheelchair or even to a residence, you may hear the words, “Is that you?” This just may be your cue to bring a ray of sunshine to those who have known only darkness. August 16, 2007