Pilgrim Jim's Treasure Field
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
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TOMORROW'S MEMORIES ARE TODAY'S BLESSINGS
December 30, 2003
Tomorrow's memories are today's blessings and we could also
say that Today's blessings are tomorrow's memories. The events of today will feed the memories of
tomorrow, may they be warm, pleasant and enjoyable.
Throughout the 30 years of our marriage,
before Sandy had a serious stroke in 1999, she always seemed to enjoy preparing
or "fixing" my plate at mealtime. She didn't always do it, but much of the time
she did, and with ample servings of everything, especially some of my favorites.
Sandy was a tremendous cook and everything she created, mixed, blended, kneaded
and prepared always tasted so good, so when she prepared my plate I appreciated
all of it, and as I said, she seemed to enjoy fixing my plate for me.
When she had a stroke the roles were reversed
and I have been "fixing" her plate for her these past, almost five years. Her
entire right arm is of no service to her since the stroke and she has about ten
or fifteen percent use of her right leg, enough to be able to slowly walk a
short distance with the aid of a walker in her left hand, while wearing a
orthotic brace on her right leg, foot and ankle. She can no longer create or
build the beautiful works of art, displays and figures that she so enjoyed
creating. Her speech ability has been seriously effected and communication is
difficult. She can no longer cook and many times I bring her food to her on a
tray and she eats in the living room, while sitting in her favorite chair,
watching TV.
We went to Sandy's sister, Boots, house
for Christmas Eve night and to my son Brad's house for Christmas Day. Her sister
Boots is a good cook and Brad's wife, Sandy Kay, is also an excellent cook so we
brought home with us, an abundant supply of assorted food and goodies. We have
been eating great, from that supply, these past five days and I appreciate and
am thankful for all of it.
This evening about mealtime, I pushed Sandy
out into the kitchen in her wheelchair and placed her near the table while I
retrieved the food containers from the refrigerator and placed them on the table
to see what we had. I got two plates out of the cupboard and Sandy showed me
what she wanted on her plate and as I started to fix her plate she picked up the
other plate and said something like, "I fix your plate". At first I said,
No, I'll take care of it Honey but I noticed a disappointed and hurt look on her
face and changed my mind. I asked her if she wanted to fix my plate and she said
yes so I handed her the plate and said, All right Honey, you go right ahead. She
started spooning out portions of food onto my plate and I noticed a little smile
on her face and a look of pride and satisfaction. She was reclaiming a tiny part
of her life that had been stolen away by the stroke. I believe she sensed some
personal pride and dignity from the fact that she could still fix my plate and I
made sure that she understood that I appreciated it. It was a precious, tender
moment and one that will remain in my memory. Tomorrow's memories, today,
December 30, 2003.
Thank you Lord.
Sandy Update: I awakened from sleep about 2:00 AM, Thursday,
February 7, 2008 and found that Sandy was having a seizure, or another stroke. When I realized that
I could not help her I called 911 and a ambulance took her to Lakeland Hospital,
where she was admitted. She never fully recovered from the effects of the
seizure, or stroke, and despite many efforts by the Doctor and Nurses she passed away on
Friday, February 8, about 3:00 PM. Sandy has gone home. Below is a link to
Sandy's obituary.
James Lloyd Clark
Sandy's Obituary