Come Walk With Me: Collecting Evidence

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!”