Friday, December 05, 2003

A friend of mine’s mother is in the hospital… :(

A friend of mine's friend is in the hospital. She is quite ill, and not expected to make it the weekend. I am saddened for him, for her, and for me. All of these on many levels. For me, it brings back the memories of my own mother who passed away December, 2001. She struggled with cancer (I spit on you, vile serpent!) for a couple years and her illness was the main reason my wife and I moved back to Kentucky. My friend said, "it is a terrible thing becoming an orphan, regardless of the age." Not only can I relate to this, so can many other friends that I have - such as Sockmonk. Like my freind, I too am feeling alone. Unlike my friend, I have a most wonderful supporting spouse who treats me far better and more tender and with more care and love than one person deserves. And she does this in the midst of her own struggles. My friend needs my church. He doesn't need the "Sunday morning service" as he is in a healthy place for that - as best I can tell. He is quite spiritual, well versed in the scriptures, and the holiness within him comes out in many new and exciting ways all the time. But, he lacks community. He has one, but it is in a place he is choosing not to go. He knows a good portion of the congregation... heck he even likes some of them... I hurt for his lonliness. Unfortunately, when he gets overly stressed... he hermits. During these times, he will do things that distract from the stress, but other than that, he hermits. I let him know yesterday, that I won't put up with his hermiting. He basically has two choices... call me and keep me informed, or I will call him. Everyday. That was yesterday... today I called and left a message and he returned my call. I am most glad of this. I have 4 days of vacation that I have to use up this month or lose them. Apparently I get 10 more as of january 1. I will probably use these to spend time with him in Chicago. Exactly when, i'm not sure yet.... I'm sure my wife will want to go too. I want to be "intentional community" for him. He needs it, and so do I. He's got a rough time ahead of him.... May God give me strength, wisdom, tenacity, endurance, the ability to comfort, the ability to be merciful, and the ability to bless; and then allow me to share that with my friend. I suck at most of that, but that's what he needs... Bless.... --Moose