Last night after I finished posting I asked Jeff if he was ready for bed. He informed me that he didn't want to go to bed yet. So I told him what I had been doing and asked if he wanted me to read my blogs to him. He was aware of the blogsite, but I hate to admit this, but it had never occured to me to ask him if he wanted to be a part of what I am doing here or even know what I had written. He very much wanted to hear what I had written.
So I started with the first blog and just kept reading. He loved them. His eyes filled with tears at some of the sweet memories. He chuckled at my description of him sliding out of his chair. He listened intently to my feelings about the water and promised he would try to do better and not be so stubborn about it. Today has been much better.
So this evening I asked him if he would like to share some of the things he has learned with those who read these posts. He said that would be good. So I interviewed him. The following is pretty much word for word how our conversation went.
Chris: With everything you are experiencing right now, what is the hardest part?
Jeff: Not being with everybody
Chris: What has been the easiest part?
Jeff: Loving people and learning to be grateful for their kindness
Chris: What is the saddest part?
Jeff: Just not being there
Chris: What is the thing that brings you the most joy?
Jeff: My children
Chris: Is there anything you have learned from not being able to see?
Jeff: God still loves me
Chris: What about not being able to walk
Jeff: God still loves me
Chris: What about not being able to use your right arm?
Jeff: Its just an arm. My left arm works good too
Chris: What would you tell someone who is going through a really, really tough time?
Jeff: They are loved
Chris: How has God helped you?
Jeff: Gives me strength
Chris: Who loves you Jeff?
Jeff (with tears welling up) God, my children, my wife (grinning and adding, maybe), my mom, sister, and brother, and all the rest of my family, my friends, and good people everywhere who pray for me.
(Then he added this): I'm not sure they understand just how deep love can go. It is more than just helping someone walk. My heart is really, really big.
Chris: What do you miss the most:
Jeff: Being with others and serving them
Chris: What do you look forward to?
Jeff: Being with others and serving them. Seeing my children. (Jason and Charla will be here on Tuesday. Jeff is excited about that)
Chris: What ways do you know God has helped you?
Jeff: He is making you stronger and helps me feel peace.
We pray at night and ask Heavenly Father to help us get a good night's rest and I am sleeping better.
I have to admit the interview surprised me a little bit. I totally expected him to answer things like I miss my eyesight, or it is hardest to have to depend on others or I look forward to walking. But the most important things to Jeff all had to do with his relationship with others.
That is true wisdom.
I just read this to him and got his nod of approval. He wants everyone to learn how important love is.
Earlier we had a conversation about him wanting to be a good dad, but didn't know how he could like he is. But as we discussed it, I asked him how he can help his children the most. He decided maybe just by listening to them which is exactly what he would do if everything in his body was working correctly. Now he has an opportunity to listen without any interference. He has nothing but time and love to give. He is looking forward to doing so.
3 comments:
Chris: Your daily journal about this journey has comforted and inspired me. I truly believe that we go through the physical trials so that our faith and spirit can be strengthened. When certain things are taken away, we must then rely on what we have left, and they in turn become stronger. Of this particular blog, I was reminded of a guided meditation that I participated in some 3 years ago. I went into it skeptically and it turned out to be one of the sweetest experiences of my life. In it there was one point I was told that there was a large treasure chest in front of me, and I was to open that chest. I expected it to be a type of "pirate's chest", laden with all manner of jewels and other worldly treasures. When I opened it at first, there were some jewels, but I immediately and softly pushed those aside for the real treasure that lay beneath, which were the relationships and love that I have here on this earth; it was as if each relationship was being represented physically, like they were all little individual visions. The swelling of my heart and spirit was indescribable.
Both you and Jeff continue to be in my prayers, that you may both gain what it is Heavenly Father is so willing to bestow upon you.
Love, Lyn Goodpaster
Hi Lyn,
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I read it to Jeff and he knew exactly what I was talking about.
We truly are being strengthened.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
We are certainly asking with real intent because we do know that the Lord delights to bless us. It's just that whole patience thing allowing the Lord's timing to be ok too.
All in good time.
Chris
WOW!!!
I can't stop reading, and crying..
and how beautiful you are Chris..
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