We travel through this world and along the journey we have so many encounters with others over a lifetime the faces blur. The voices fade. If our eyes are open and we are aware and awakened we will begin to notice the ones our Creator places in our path as guides and teachers. I have come to believe we can learn from all who we meet if our hearts are open and sprinkled with the fertile water of willingness.
In the recent years I have had the blessed occasions of exchange with three folks who in the past few weeks have found their ageing bodies failing them. The past two days off have found me visiting my next door neighbor, "Miss Evie" in her - end of days- at Tranquility Cobb Hospice. A long life at 82 years is wearing on for her. Over the past couple years we have had nice visits and I have learned of her family. She loves freshly grilled cheeseburgers. And although pizza was not kind to her frail digestive track her cravings would have her order delivery. I would always get a call that she could not finish it and needed me to help.
During these times I learned about her children. At the Hospice yesterday I met the whole group of siblings. We all held hands and prayed. God Bless you "Miss Evie".
Today I traveled to Piedmont Hospital to visit my friend Warren and his wife and caretaker Brenda.
Warren has been in a struggle for almost six months. His bone skeleture is failing his body. Bones are braking and it is immobilizing and painful. Warren was my first Sponsor into a fellowship of broken men. On my journey of spiritual healing he has been the Gatekeeper Guide during the initial -feeling my way - stages of growth. Since giving is never a one way process what I received from him I was able to return this morning - at least a little bit anyway.
I mentioned to Brenda and Warren that I was going to get my haircut by The Blind Barber and they knew exactly who I was talking about. Remarkably Brenda's late father used to get his hair cut by Max. Of course Blind is an exaggeration but not much. I could not help but go to Max for my hair cut. His small Smyrna, Georgia shop is the classic Barber Shop. From the first time going there I knew it was a dangered species. Three chairs only one of which was used: Max's chair. This gentle little man is the Rockwellesque picture of humble, meek and God fearing. He would cut your hair for ten dollars. No plastic and if you did not have the cash well just pay him the next time you are in.
These virtues and values of Americana are slowly fading out of season. Each instance of loss is a sobering trial of spiritual strength to the ones who wonder if the underlying truths and values will spring forth and manifest again. But by Faith we know: "To Everything there is a Season......." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Bradford Bosworth
May 2015
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