THE HELP
(Part III in a series)

I’m not sure how far I had gotten when the telephone rang. It was my father-in-law. He was calling to see if it was convenient for him and his wife to bring over a clothing donation that morning. (We had been planning a trip down to Mexico to bring food, clothing and cheer to a very impoverished neighborhood and had been collecting many donations.)  I said, “Sure.” I didn’t mention my remodel project; I didn’t even think to mention it.

So I went back to the bedroom to work. In a little while my father-in-law and his wife arrived. I welcomed them in, thanked them for their donation, then I took them back to the bedroom to see what I was doing. I’m sure I was just chattering along about my plans for the day; they took in the whole situation – politely, quietly, thoughtfully. My father-in-law in particular was studying my “schedules” posted around the room.

I’m so glad they didn’t tell me I had set myself an impossible task. But this is what they did; they quickly excused themselves and left the house; a short time later they reappeared, dressed in their painting clothes, ready to be put to work!

I can’t express how this touched my heart. Dad and Leora were around 70 years old at the time and here they were, ready to work! And they did work, all during the fore noon. I couldn’t have gotten the work done without them. That day I felt they were a special gift sent from God and I feel the same way about the help they gave that day, even 25 years later.

But there was still much work to be done. They had to leave, but I continued to work.

(To be continued)