Karl's Discription of Actual Visit

Adversity (ad vurs se te) n.: A condition of hardship or affliction.

Labels are interesting indeed.   Theresa and I went to the  recipient’s home today. The home is a very modest ranch with attached garage directly off of a county Highway. The front area was not shoveled and difficult to traverse. There were many items in the yard that have not been stowed for the winter, i.e. lawn tractor, trailers, children's play things and the like.

We were warmly greeted by Carol as she was in the middle of a visit with Sam's therapist.  The therapist related Sam's improvements to us and remarked about his determination and will.  The house was in complete disarray and Carol apologized for not cleaning prior to our arrival.  On the couch were both Julia, younger than Sam, and Sam.  He had braces covering the upper part of both legs, and one over the entire left arm and hand.  Julia had signs of a post-surgical cleft palate. (Recall, Julia is from China).  The two children were quite communicative both verbally and with the use of sign language skills.  The children wanted Theresa to play with them, but first settled for a early afternoon snack of crackers and juice.

Sam's wheel chair is sized to him and will accept additional features as he grows. The one that he currently has is propelled manually and apparently, one that is powered and controlled with one hand is due to arrive next week.  Sam does navigate his wheel chair with one hand, managing adequately.  Carol indicates that he is on two medications, one for pain, however Sam does not report much pain, but an occasional headache.  

Carol indicated that Sam will be fitted for prosthetic limbs in the near future.[On another note, Julia has speech therapy at their home on an continuous basis as well...how these kind people are just not overwhelmed is way beyond me!!].There is still question if Sam's left arm will require amputation and currently, they are seeing if some function will return. 

"Tragic" is what Carol did not want to label their situation. Specifically, by labeling the situation "tragic"-she indicated-you then tell the world that "Sam's life is tragic".  That just pushed me in my seat. (Just as Jan and Jeff learned with their "Pay It Forward" experience the other day, it is amazing how powerful words, beliefs, labels and the like are.)

Carol was finishing up with the therapist, trying to gather paperwork, the kids wanted a snack...and we were there witnessing such resilience.  Sam was placed back in his wheel chair and began to head down the short hallway to his room where he wanted to play.  He turned and looked at Theresa gesturing..."you come" and play.  I will never forget his gaze toward Theresa..just like any other three year old boy...wanting to experience some fun.  Theresa said..."me"? ...and same gestured again...."yeah you come!!!"  Just adorable.  Julia bounced down the hallway after them..and away they went to the toy bins. 

Carol took a  few minutes to sit down with us and told us of her sister in Alabama who is quite interested in "Pay It Forward". Carol was very excited to share "Pay It Forward" with her sister following our visit.  Interesting...Carol's sister is on a mission trip to Mexico serving the needs of people there.   I thought to myself...."where did these people come from?"  "They are totally selfless and ask nothing, but give everything!!"   This is one of those times where one could fit the description.....'I was just beside myself.'

Theresa presented the movie and packet of information to Carol.  Carol then looked at the check and began to cry in disbelief.  The lump in my throat would not allow me to speak.  Yes...it was time to go.  [That 'silence of processing' is unmistakable.]  We ushered ourselves out of Carol's home after hugging and wishing her the best.  Once in the car, we looked at each other and just could not speak...there were no words, but total knowledge that this family is directed by God. 

Question.....do I call this adversity?   Not any more.  Do you know what this is called; what was seen, felt, experienced, learned-and more importantly-incorporated into my being today?    LOVE....... that one thing of which no words can effectively describe.  

I now have renewed hope for the human spirit.  Thank you for giving this gift of 'sight' to me.  I am honored to be with such blessed people in my life.

May Peace and Happiness be yours now and always.