Just want to share something that impressed me much in recent days.
My mom's first cousin died last week. He died during surgery, was 92 years old, married for 71 years. His wife was afflicted with Alzheimers and needed care 24/7 and he was the primary caregiver.
When it became apparent that he no longer could socialize much but was confined to his home caring for his wife, he was in a predicament on what he can do to stay occupied, being productive. His daughter suggested he sews blankets. They fixed up a room in their house to sew - complete with serger, racks to hold bolts of fleece, measuring table, cutters and thread. All designed for utmost efficiency.
Since March of 2013 he has sewn >10,000 blankets, all given to charity to be distributed to 3rd world countries. Granted, the blankets were not thick - they were made with fleece - but they were greatly appreciated by the recipients and the agencies that distributed them.
Stanley cared for his wife lovingly.
He left a wonderful legacy to his family of being a man of God who was his sole authority for life. He loved Him and easily talked about Him as one who knew him. Yet, he wrestled with God and the devil - the devil working hard to get him to fail. In the end God and Stanley won.
His grandchildren loved him. He was not a sour, rigid person but one who loved life, saw humor where it was or made it himself when the opportunity presented itself.
What a legacy: he never retired but was always busy being productive, creative; loved the LORD such that no one questioned (the eve before the surgery he told the surgeon that if the LORD returns before the procedure he won't do the surgery!). He was humble about his achievements, not taking much if any credit for them - it was all in a days work.
I am blessed to have known him. And I would hope I can be creative and productive when or IF I get to be 92 years old and be known to love the LORD with my entire being.
Thank-you LORD for the faithfulness of your child...
Sandra