Saturday, September 15, 2012

Connecting the dots

I don't know about you, but I am tired of hearing about so many people dying. Maybe I'm at an age when that happens, but I don't like it one bit. I've also received so many FaceBook prayer requests from friends for family members. I feel so helpless. During the day when one of these people come to mind, I offer up a spontaneous prayer.

This evening at dusk, a writer friend phoned while I was working at the computer. She mentioned that she was taking a walk. That was the impetus I needed to get off my duff and outdoors. "I'm going for a walk too. We'll walk and talk," I said.

Two blocks from home, I came upon an elderly neighbor in a wheel chair. His legs were amputated, his dentures lay on the ground and he was firmly stuck ina groove on the ramp to his van. He sat and smoked a cigarette, looking forlorn. He called me over and asked if I'd help dislodge the wheels. I was unable to, so I called hubby who came to the rescue. While I waited, I asked the man if he lived alone. He told me he did and his wife was in a nursing home. He'd just come from visiting her. He'd brought her candy because she loves sweets. I could tell he loved his sweet.

He told me that when he'd pulled in, he was unable to swing wide enough because the trash man had placed his cans where he parks. I dragged those two, big red plastic bins to the side of his house, and right about then hubby arrived on scene.

The old guy thanked us for getting his wheel chair unstuck and he assured us he could make it from there. I hope so. I fear he'll get stuck again, or he'll burn his house down. Sometimes I feel helpless. When there's nothing I can do, I just say a little prayer.

Tonight I was busy writing, prepared for a long evening in front of the computer. Then my phone rang, my friend mentioned she was taking a walk ... you connect the dots.

14 comments:

Val said...

No coincidences.

Sioux Roslawski said...

What a sweet story--about a sweet old man--that was.

noexcuses said...

Great story..sometimes prayer is the only thing we can do, so we do it.

Anonymous said...


Yes, my prayer list is long, and I always wish there was more I could do. But then I think maybe that's exactly what I *need* to do.

Sort of like that gentleman needed you. ;-) So glad you were there!

Mevely317 said...

You grabbed my attention in your first sentence, Linda!
... Blame it on my age, but it seems I can relate/react to more deaths this year than ever before. Almost makes me pause before opening the news page.
Reading, I could just visualize this gentleman's plight. There are so many; ... too many stories.
And I agree with Val, there are "no coincidences."
Praying ...

jabblog said...

I never realise how old I'm getting until I hear of yet another death - it's depressing. We all know life is terminal but we don't have to be reminded of it all the time.

I loved your story about the gentleman in the wheelchair - thank you for helping. So sad, though, that he is alone.

Joanne Noragon said...

So happy you were there to help. He'll keep getting on fine--until the next time, and some one will show up.

Susan said...

I connected the dots and think you were meant to take that walk, Linda. The old gent is probably terribly lonely, too.

Maybe your paths can cross again, in a good neighborly way. Susan

Tammy said...

Val is right. No coincidences!

Bookie said...

I understand your feeling for sure. And agree, glad you were handy to help the man. I had experience two weeks ago that left me feeling I did not do what I should, not enough...this lingering feeling is not good, but maybe it will help me move faster next time. I find the days getting more challenging in every way....just when I think I have figured out the answer, I realize I don't have a clue!

Anonymous said...

I'm with Val, too.

Kranky Granny said...

Linda, I want to thank you for stopping by and clicking to follow my blog.

Myra at Mevely317 is a great lady. We got to meet her and have a nice visit on our last trip through Phoenix.

I look forward to having some time to read your archives of older post.

Susan Sundwall said...

Gosh, I hope the poor guy's dentures got picked up. =0) You were a blessing to him that night, Linda. And he to you. My walks always reveal something and so do my prayers. Great 'connecting.'

Janet Smart said...

Enjoyed reading your post. Glad you were able to help the elderly neighbor. I take walks most every evening with my neighbor, sometimes I bore her by having her read something I have written for her feedback.