The 10:30 service at St. Luke Lutheran Church is one with contemporary music, the one I usually elect not to attend because I prefer the 9:00 service with it's traditional hymns and liturgy. I was making my way down the side aisle to our usual pew in the front when I found myself needing to maneuver my wheelchair around another man's wheelchair. I did not recognize the man sitting in the other wheelchair at first because he had lost so much weight. After getting situated into our usual 2nd row pew, I turned to glance back and realized that the elderly man in the wheelchair was Dick, and sitting next to him was his wife, Joan.
Dick is a retired school teacher with an infectious smile and a warm, disarming sense of humor. In the company of Dick, I can't help but feel my burdens lifted, and soon, find myself smiling and laughing along with him.
It has been a long time since I have seen Dick at church. Nearly a year ago, he suffered a significant traumatic brain injury. It has been a long and arduous recovery with extended stays in various hospitals and rehab facilities. He has persistent health deficits as a result of his brain injury, and it has been relatively recent that he was allowed to return home to live with Joan.
As I turned to look at him, Dick recognized me, his eyes twinkled and the ends of his mouth turned up instantly into that old familiar warm smile. At communion, Joan wheeled him to the front where he gave the pastor a mischievous grin, looked as if he was going to tell him a joke, but instead, silently, took the proffered bread and wine. Seeing them up there, I couldn't help but tear up. I have missed him. It is so good to have Dick back
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