SIMPLY TAKING TIME TO TALK

My wife has Alzheimer’s, so every afternoon I drive her through the country and we talk about the “good old days.” I’m trying to bring back any remnants of memories she has left.

On our way to the country, we always pass the same homeless man on a downtown corner. One day, I decided to stop and talk to him, and now it’s become part of our routine.

Each time we see Rick, I give him a little money, and he always gives me something in return. The items he gives me aren’t as impactful as the stories he tells me, and the hope he has for his future. My wife doesn’t remember a lot of what we talk about with him, but I do and every conversation manages to impact me in a powerful way.

Rick has a story, as everyone does. He desires love, like everyone does. And he deserves a second chance, just like everyone else. Thank goodness God gives us second chances, sometimes a number of them. I’m excited to see what Rick does with his second chance, and thankful he reminds me of the hope God gives all of us for the future.