Sunday, November 2, 2008

Time stood still.....




For a few, short minutes, time stood still as my aging father in law embraced his eldest son and grasped the moment in his heart and mind.
Many times he doesn't remember us so specifically- oh he knows we are his family but names and relationships escape him. Since his understandable words are few, we are forced to read between the lines when he speaks to us. This was not one of those times.
Tim has only recently been diagnosed with ALS, better known as Lou Gehrigs Disease. He is 57 and has probably been the most fit of all the siblings. His symptoms presented suddenly and they have escalated and continue to rob him of speech,energy and muscle control. All the while he smiles and laughs. His precious wife continues on as though this is just normal- but I know she must feel so many things that just can't be uttered.

As Bub wheeled Tim out of the elevator to meet his dad the entire room turned to witness the most heartbreaking ,yet tender moment between a father and son. Jack grasped Tim's hand and held it as he looked deeply at him and then just sat and wept. We all stood still, unable to move or act-I wasn't able to lift my camera to snap a shot- the moment just hung ,motionless in time.

Ro 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2 comments:

Tina Leavy said...

how very nice that they could share such a heartwarming moment.

KKJD1 said...

How precious! You have me crying. My grandfather was the same way. Thanks for sharing such a special moment! Blessings, karen