Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / beichh4046
Earlier this year my church put together a benefit dinner for 300 underprivileged folks. We set up a large catering tent and laid in some tables and chairs, a few kerosene heaters, and a well-stocked buffet line. After everyone was served, those of us “working” the event were served as well, and we sat down to converse with some of the guests.
One gentleman was struggling, despite the help of a walker. “That’s from my diabetes,” he explained. “So far today I’ve pumped a lot of liquid out of myself, which of course indicates heart failure.” I asked if there was anything he could do about it. “Well, son,” he said, “simply put—I’m dying. Not much you can do to change that.” I asked if he had recently seen a doctor. “Young man, I’m in my seventies. I never had a wife or children. I worked as little as possible, drank more than I should have, and pretty much took life in stride every day. I’ve done everything I need to do and seen everything I need to see. Paying the piper and dying right now are about all I have left to do.” His crystal-blue eyes shone as he smiled at me. “Yes,” he said, “I’ve seen the doctor, and he has seen me. Please pass the salt.”
A Warm Nap
I walked over to the dessert table to collect the cakes and pies that had been cut and were ready to serve. As I began to distribute the sweets, I practically tripped over another gentleman who had chosen to stretch out on the floor next to one of the heaters. Indeed, the air outside the tent was rather bitter. I apologized for not seeing him there. He asked if the heaters would be on all night, and I informed him that after dinner the whole tent and facility would be dismantled. He shook his head, then nodded understandingly. “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna get a little more rest. I’ll probably be walking around tonight to keep warm, so resting now would really help.” With a lump in my throat, I offered him a piece of cake, which he gladly accepted and set next to his pack as he lay down. “Ah, now I’ll even have breakfast when I wake up,” he said, rolling over on his side.