Ridgell's Originals

So I want to be like John and Ed.  They are faithful to their calling as disciples and as husbands.  And it is not easy.

John's wife Cindy is in an Alzheimer's unit.  It happens to lots of spouses but they are in their very early 70's.  Life was hard even before this disease.  They buried three adult children.  And now this.  Cindy is wasting away before his very eyes.  But is there every day.  Morning, noon, and night.  Because it is duty.  A duty born out of love and faith.  Love of God and love of Cindy.  Faith is often seen in the hard work of every day discipleship.  Loving your spouse in spite of the circumstances.  Going to church and asking about others.  Dying to self to serve.  

Cindy is trapped in a body with a mind that has betrayed her.  She still likes the song Jesus Loves Me.  I know because that is the song my wife sings to her.  And watching John love Cindy because of Jesus gives me a whole new appreciation of the truth of that song.  

Thank you John for helping me be a better Christ follower and a better husband.

Ed's wife Evy is in the same unit.  They are in their very early 60's.  This is not where they expected to be.  I served with Ed as an elder for several years.  He was a good shepherd.  Evy was a really good elder's wife.  Loved people. Still does.  Some days you can almost think she is the old Evy. And in some ways she is.  Sweet smile.  So far still knows Marsha and I every time we visit.  But she is losing functionality slowly but surely.

And Ed is there every step of the way.  Still makes her laugh.  Still treats her like his best girl.  Planned for this day and asks God constantly to give him wisdom and strength.  Does not see any of this care-giving as a burden.  But as a privilege.  Because Evy was strong and faithful and loving.  Sometimes she was the strong one.  Now he is.  Like all good marriages.  

Ed is teaching me a lot about depending on God.  He is showing how to be a better disciple and a better husband.

Sometimes life is hard.  I have two brothers who long for Jesus to return.  But until then, they live the life they have with love, faith, and courage.

It may not be the same hard road they are on, but I will be on some hard roads before my time here is done.  So will you.  Face it with love, faith, and courage.

Be like John and Ed.