Choosing to Walk

There once was an older gentleman who sat alone in his wheelchair. From morning to evening he sat, waiting.

He lived in a lively nursing home where the activities directors loved to keep the residents engaged, laughing, and speaking. Often the gentleman sat in his room listening to men and women down the hall. He wished someone would think to take him there. 

Years before the gentleman had lost interest in physical activity for years, choosing to sit in his apartment and watch television alone. He watched several episodes of his favorite show and forgot to eat meals left for him in the kitchen. The apartment manager introduced him to other neighbors his age. He didn't feel like visiting any of their apartments, he might miss one of the shows. Periodically, the neighbors came for a visit, but after a while they stopped visiting. 

As the years went by, his legs could no longer support his weight when he attempted to stand. He wished someone would visit, maybe watch a show or two with him. If someone would only visit, he or she could bring his food to the sofa and sit with him.

Over time, his health and mental awareness diminished. He fell out of bed and required assistance around the clock. He was moved to the lively nursing home for his safety. The chatter and movement intrigued him, but he continued to watch his television which was brought from his apartment to his new room. Maybe if someone wheeled him down to where the fun took place he might leave the shows.

A few weeks passed. The activities director went to the gentleman's room several times to invite him to the fun. 

He decided to go and was surprised how happy he felt. The next day no one came to his room to wheel him to the activity. The laughter stirred his heart. He pressed his feet to the floor and nudged the wheelchair forward. It hurt a bit, but he pressed his feet and moved the chair again. It took a long time but, the chair soon entered the hall. The activities director looked his way and smiled. She pushed his chair to the activity room and helped him join the fun.

A few more weeks passed. The gentleman had been given a new wheelchair designed for the patient's mobility. He wheeled to other rooms visiting patients, he went to activities in another wing, he found he could gather his thoughts and speak whole sentences in conversation.

A few weeks more, the physical therapist approved the gentleman for training with a walker. He walked twenty feet within a few days. Visitors from his youth came and he recognized them. The man had not known such happiness in years.

This is based on a true story. Before we notice, special things get set aside and forgotten.  Things that fall in this category are Daily Devotions, nutritional eating, exercise, spending time with family, sharpening our skills, cleaning our home, etc.

Friend, can you make a goal for today to do something you have neglected?