I was pushing Emmett in his wheelchair down the hall when I first saw Donald. I stopped and said hello, and asked him if he would like to join us for Bible study. He shook his head no. Emmett and I continued on our journey that included passing by a musician playing a ukulele and singing for a small group. The activity assistant came over and said, "Oh, sorry, Rev. Sue Ann. The home wants lots of activities now so everything is scheduled back to back. I will bring some residents to you." I assured her that was fine. I told the ukulele player his music was wonderful. I asked Emmett if wanted to stay and listen to the music, or if he wanted to continue on with me. He is not the easiest person to understand, but I got the sense he wanted to continue on. We arrived in our gathering place. Other residents did indeed join us, and we gathered in a circle. More residents were brought in and the circle widened. This increasing happened several times.
I then noticed Donald at the door. At that point I did not know his name. "Sir, would you like to join us?" Again, he shook his head no.
Then, Margaret arrived. She does not speak, but often hums in a very ethereal voice. She also loves to hold hands. She reached out for Donald, and he slowly escorted her in. He did not leave, but he also did not sit.
"Welcome! Do you need a chair?" I knew he had a wheelchair with him, but he seemed reluctant to use it. He waved no, and pointed at it. He pulled it over and sat next to Margaret who took his hand once more.
At some point, Donald was badly burned. At some point, Margaret stopped speaking. However, they seem to get along quite well. I am grateful. There are those who get frustrated by her yearning to hold on. Donald seems to appreciate the anchor.
I also found out that Donald does have a voice, and he wants to use it to ask questions about Jesus. This group on the whole loves to talk about Jesus. The Jesus who was poor and walked the dusty roads and who was baptized in the desert. The Jesus who ate with whoever happened to be at the table. The Jesus who prayed and loved God, and who taught them the Lord's Prayer which they pray with a touching piety.
This month, as usual, the assistants had to interrupt us because it is was time for lunch. I went over to Donald and learned his name. I told him how glad I was that he was with us today and that I hope he joins us in the future. He cautiously replied, "Sometimes I cannot be here. I have therapy." He asked my schedule, paused, and then resolutely said, "I will be here."
Anita took my hand. "Oh, honey, I hope you will be, too." Wanda, who had already started her wheelchair down the hall, returned and asked for a hug. This is new for her. I tell her, quite sincerely, that she looks beautiful.
I take Margaret in her wheelchair so she can get to the dining room. As we go, I join her in her ethereal tender song.
This morning I awoke, grateful for them, grateful for Jesus.
steal away to Jesus!
Steal away, steal away home
.
(traditional spiritual)
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