Peering through a 20/20 lens, everything comes into focus with an unobstructed view. I am observing what I know to be true. Love is the only remedy. Here at my friend’s kitchen table, I am witness to the unassuming power of Love. And I find myself - Collecting Evidence.
~~~~~~~~~~~
She
contacted me through the Facebook Messenger App. And just like that, two old friends were
reunited in a very millennial sort of way.
She knew about my Multiple Sclerosis, and admitted to reading many stories
posted on my blog. I, in turn knew of
her husband’s ALS diagnosis.
But
her purpose for reaching out was the offering of a gift. Her husband had acquired a few mobility
devices throughout the years. I quickly
learned that he was no longer able to use the many toys gathered in their
garage. The invitation to visit her home
and see if I could benefit from anything was met with an enthusiastic “Yes”.
“Is
tomorrow OK?” she asked. And 24 hours
later, I’m ringing her doorbell, eager to embrace my old friend. She came almost dancing and singing to the
door, welcoming me into her home (and life).
Hugs and kisses were quickly exchanged.
Her
husband was peacefully sitting at the kitchen table. The stage of his illness quite advanced
making communication difficult (if not impossible). My friend fills me in about the past few
years, bringing me to his present condition. During the hours spent exchanging “war” stories,
my friend continually cared for her husband.
She included him in every detail of our conversation and encouraged him
to eat the spoonful of yogurt she put to his lips. Transferring him to a nearby counter, she lifted
him upright (to stand and stretch his muscles).
All this done without stopping or losing her place as we chatted. Her patience tested but never failing. Her every response that of tender mercy. I could not find an ounce of anger or
bitterness in her voice. Instead, I saw
only the illumination of love between them.
BUT THE STORY CONTINUES…as
more evidence is collected.
She
brings out a tiny scooter explaining its impact on their lives. They were able to continue traveling and sharing
many adventures after learning the fate of his illness. Every joy was acknowledged and appreciated
during those years with the help of this travel scooter. But now it held no other purpose than to be
given away to someone who could benefit from it. And I was to be that someone.
In
the midst of the greatest sorrow imaginable, my friend showered me with
kindness in her offering of the scooter.
Where there could be resentment – only love was found. More evidence collected.
~~~~~~~~~~
I
zip ahead to catch up to my family and friends walking on the Jones Beach
boardwalk on a beautiful Saturday morning. It is with ease that I meet them
all, while on the scooter collected from my dear friend. We get in formation
while I shout, “strike a silly pose,” with our Walk MS mardi gras beads
displayed proudly. After all the love and support exchanged I get home and
decide to share my photo on social media, in a very millennial sort of way. And
just like that, two old friends reunited as she commented, "I love that you
love your ride!”
In that moment I find that I too am evidence: of
struggle and of triumph, defeat and hardship, and the greatest love and
relationships conceivable
Love is the only remedy.
