During a time of personal hardship in my life, Dr. Tony Ebarb, my dear friend, spiritual brother, and mentor, told me this story.
Tony’s dear friends, a retired sheriff and his wife, were both going through a series of medical problems. He had a stroke and could not use his limbs well enough to dress himself. She lost her sight but was physically quite capable of getting around.
They started each day by her going to the bedroom closet, opening it, extending her arm, and pointing into the closet. He would then verbally direct her pointing to the clothing he wanted to wear that morning. She removed the articles of clothinghe chose and then helped him get dressed.
They repeated a similar strategy to get her clothes for that day.
In this cooperative fashion, they continued to live a fulfilling life together, finding ways to share their daily routines and intimacies.
These people, whom I have never met, have been an inspiration to me for years. I thought I should share their story.
May we all be lifted to such gracious living and loving in the face of great challenges.