Just When I Say They Won't Come...In Rolls Dennis!
Just when I say, “They are not going to cross the mote”, and come to us, in rolls Dennis. The first time I saw him was on a Wednesday evening at Prayer and Praise. He rolled in on his motorized wheel chair and his bibbed overalls. You could tell it had been a while since he was near water.
Dennis is an exception the above comment about crossing the mote. He has had a hard life and is dealing with a number of health issues, not the least of which is a problem with his pancreas, which makes it hard for him to digest his food. He has lost about 100lbs. and seems to have suffered a stroke that causes him to drag one leg when he walks, (he can walk limited distances), and he only has the use of one arm. His only mode of transportation is his wheel chair. He lives close to the Madison church building.
He parked his wheel chair next to me last night as I sat in the foyer waiting for time for services to begin. We were both there early. He was spick and span clean from head to toe. He had not eaten and we were not providing meals last night as we often do on Wednesday evenings. After we talked for a while he said, “I think I’ll run across the street and get a hamburger before services begin.” I ask him if he had money. He said he had a couple dollars. I only had four bucks, but rolled it up and gave it to him, and he returned a big smile. Dennis seems to have a wonderful heart.
After services we had a desert fellowship downstairs in the fellowship hall. Barb helped Dennis with his plate and he sat with us. We talked about our hair cuts. We both have recently cut most of our hair off. He told me he had invited some Mexicans to church the other day. He had been impressed with how much they knew about Jesus and he hoped they came. He also said he was willing to help out from time to time at the Benevolent Center, but he only had one arm and leg to offer. He said that with a big smile on his face.
I had to leave before Barb and I knew it was soon going to be dark outside and Dennis would have to navigate the streets of Madison in the dark, if he didn’t leave soon himself. I mentioned my concern to him and he assured me he would be alright. I told him I was just really concerned for him. He said, “I am so glad somebody is”.
That last statement told me volumes about Dennis’s greatest need. Yes his physical needs are pressing, but he needs to know that someone really cares about his well being. Dennis is different from many of us in a lot of ways, but not in that way. We all need to know someone cares.
