Deb Anderson
I had a busy day scheduled. I left Mount Juliet early in the morning, driving to Hendersonville to pick up my father and take him to lunch. Dad had suffered the progressive effects of Alzheimer’s for over 12 years. I knew our lunch excursions might soon become impossible. That day, I wanted to squeeze one in before going to volunteer at The Next Door Recovery.
After enjoying barbecue, one of his favorites, I realized I had miscalculated the timing of my day. There was no way I could get him back to his community and also arrive at TNDR in time to lead our weekly craft activity!
Me: Dad, would you want to go with me to volunteer?
Dad: Sure!
I knew that my busy day would now be even longer. It was a 45-minute drive to Dad’s, a 45-minute drive to TNDR, only to repeat both legs at the tail end of the day. Admittedly, I was a bit discouraged at my lack of foresight in planning the day properly.
We arrived at TNDR to find the cafeteria decorated for Christmas. The clients were in high spirits. As my dad entered the room, he gave me one of his classic “big-eyes” surprised looks, and then grinned from ear to ear.
Thankful, I sat Dad at a table already filled with women. They were quick to make room for him, introducing themselves and shaking his hand.
As our activity commenced, I realized that Dad could no longer color. His motor skills would not allow him to stay within the lines. Neither he nor I were certain what to do next. Then, the woman on his right leaned over.
Client: Mr. Bill, can I help you?
Dad: Sure!
God had placed my dad right next to a senior care professional! She spoke to him perfectly, perceptively, lovingly. She did the coloring for him. And she realized, with a chuckle, that Dad’s executive functioning skills were still very much intact as he proceeded to direct her in great detail through the coloring of Santa’s reindeer.
Thankful, I went back to my supply table to start my Christmas tunes playlist. The clients began to sing along. When I turned back to the room, I saw a few women stand to dance.
Client: Mr. Bill, would you like to dance?
Dad: Sure!
Thankful, I teared up. Soon, the entire table of women were dancing with my dad. (I must confess, I snuck a video for my own heart.) What joy there was in that moment.
My dad passed on April 20th of this year. I watch that video often. And it still brings tears to my eyes.
Our visit to TNDR that day turned out to be one of my dad’s last outings. I remain forever amazed and grateful that he was greeted and treated with incredible respect, love, and joy that day.
Thankful. What an unexpected blessing in the midst of my busy-ness, my rush, my fuss. The things of the world can so easily distract me. But that day, time stopped. And the love of God, through all of TNDR’s clients, filled my dad‘s heart and my heart.
You may not know exactly what it will be like to volunteer at TNDR, but I promise you, God will not disappoint. TNDR will not disappoint. The many clients we serve at TNDR will not disappoint. You will be thankful. You will be blessed. In unexpected ways.
PSA: Join us any Saturday from 2-3 p.m. to experience unexpected blessings!
