Remember When…

Reminder When…7-13-25

I met an elderly gentleman yesterday. He will be 88 in December. I could see within a few minutes of being in his presence that he was a charmer. When he smiled, which he did almost continuously, he had a twinkle in his eye. He is now very unsteady and requires assistance to make sure he does not fall. As he talked off and on with his youngest daughter, he at times became nostalgic. I could see a wistfulness in his eyes, hear it in his words, and feel it in my heart as he would talk, laugh, or joke.

You see, as his mind sometime struggles, he knows that there is something changing. As some people were mentioned that have passed on, his eyes misted and he looked away. As memories were recalled, he sat quietly. Sometimes adding a memory if he could, but often in reflection. Deep in his thoughts, remembering when.

He has a strong love with his wife. He has a strong love for the Lord. His faith is evident. He had a good day while we sat and visited. At one point, he went to get into his wheelchair to go to the bedroom. He wanted to get a canvas off the wall to show me. He said, “I was a whipper-snapper.” Yes, yes he was! I asked if he played, he laughed and said he was only holding the guitar for the photo. To this, we all laughed. I was honored he chose the photo to show me. He talked aloud remembering when he took the photo and his younger years.

Isaiah 46:4, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." I know as his family and he make decisions that their faith in God’s grace will guide them. I know as time passes, God will give them all strength. I know God will sustain him and hold him in His hands. I know that this gentleman, and his family, will always Remember When.