His lopsided grin spoke volumes as I peeked through the open door to his room. He pushed himself up in bed and laughed out loud when I made fun of his bed-head hairdo that stood up straight behind. Joel was such a handsome young man and my heart filled with love as I patted his hand and asked him if he slept well.
"Sure I did." He said as he enthusiastically scratched his head with both hands, ruffling his hair even more. "And you?"
"Oh, I do alright for an old lady with too much time on her hands and not enough energy to get the exercise I need to make me tired." I tossed two new books on the foot of his bed. He had already finished the last two that I had brought him. Books that I had reviewed for different authors, whom I was sure wouldn't mind that I passed them along to this particular young man. He was a voracious reader with a quick and sharp wit-a joy to spend the day with.
His grin slipped across his face again.
"Alright. I know you have something to tell me, so out with it already!" I knew he was itching to tell me something, I just couldn't imagine what.
"Today I walked from here to there." His glowing eyes glittered and matched my own with unshed tears.
I hugged him close, this brave young man. "Oh, Joel. That is so wonderful! I knew you could do it." Prayers really are answered if we wait for the right time, God's own time.
For you see, Joel was a soldier. He had left his legs in Iraq. Just one short year ago, he had gone over there with the 875th from our town. Strong, young, brave, and whole; he had been so enthused about serving his country. He was no fool, this young man; he knew what he would be facing. There were no illusions or guarantees, no promises, no bribes. Joel signed on with his eyes wide open-he would take his chances along with all his comrades.
When I first met Joel, I was visiting my sick brother who happened to be in the next hospital bed. Joel had just had another surgery on his legs, which were gone just above his knees. From that very first day, I knew this young man was special and we became fast friends during the week that my brother was in the hospital. Soon I was visiting Joel even after my brother recovered and returned home.
This particular day, he had been fitted with new prophesizes and his words were, "Happy as a dead pig in a mudhole!" And by Arkansas standards, that's about as happy as you can get. He was finally beginning to learn to walk again and although, not quite a hundred percent, he was making great headway. His physical therapist had only good praise for his progress.
So, now when I get down-in-the-dumps for any reason, all I have to do is think about Joel's words that day---"Today I Walked From Here to There…." and then I know my problems are so small. Try that yourself; when you have a problem, take it and walk from here to there. See if it doesn't diminish in size.
God Bless and be safe.
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