It’s been two weeks since I last visited the nursing home. Yesterday I had extra time and decided to visit Patton. I sat on the edge of his bed and just listened. He can keep talking for hours if you let him. I love his words, but there’s never been much depth. It’s always idle chatter.
He spoke about the economy, his ninetieth birthday, and how expensive life had gotten. I asked about his children and gave a brief response, but quickly rounded back to the economy. His words would stray and I kept asking questions, looking to seize any opportunity to share God’s love with him.
I asked about his son Jeff. Patton hesitated and his eyes got glassy. Jeff is lost in drinking. The last time they spoke, Jeff got upset with him over money. It’s been months now. Jeff hasn’t called. Patton’s daughter Lisa used to visit every two weeks or so. “I asked if she could come visit me once a week and she told me gas had gotten too expensive to make the trip.” Tears flooded his face and wept uncontrollably.
“I’m just so lonely here. I don’t like this place and they won’t let me go back home. I wish God would just take me.”
I reached out, rubbed his arm, and said, “Do you believe in God?….” Keep Reading
