A Good Samaritan

When I got here from Washington state, I still needed therapy. It just so happened it was scheduled daily and of course during the time my sister Glory was at work. We needed help! At church Glory requested volunteers to take turns driving me to and from therapy. There were a few people who volunteered and we scheduled them for different days

One particular person was this tall, slender, 70 year old man. We wondered because of his age if he would be able to handle it, he had no idea what it took to get me in and out of the car.

His turn was to be on Tuesday and Thursday every week.

The first Tuesday he came, he drove up as close to my door as possible, got out and knocked. As I answered, I could see fear and doubt in his eyes, but determination was there also. Together we maneuvered me into the car and then his work began. I explained how to fold the wheelchair up so he could fit it into the trunk. Nodding his head, like he understood but not saying a word, he pushed the chair behind the car. Struggling for about 15 minutes, he finally got the chair stowed and himself behind the wheel. He drove in silence, while I jabbered away, giving directions by pointing with my fingers.

When we arrived at the rehab unit, he got out and struggled with the chair again. As we entered the building I told him how long therapy would take (two and a half hours), thinking he'd want to leave and come back later. To my amazement, each time I transitioned from one therapy session to another he was sitting patiently in the lobby. When everything was done he loaded me and the chair in the car with less struggles.

The next night at church he made a beeline straight to Glory and they had a very long talk. In my imagination I knew what was being said. 'He couldn't help anymore. I was too difficult of a chore.' After all people who don't deal with me one-on-one have expressed this exact sentiment, let alone the physical toll it would take on an elderly man.

Bracing myself for yet another upset, I asked Glory what that was all about? She relayed that he loved helping me and that he would like to do the job every day. He said he really couldn't understand my garbled speech, but I was so cheerful and full of joy it was contagious. He also said that I was a testimony of God's power and he wanted to be part of that. Glory agreed whole-heartedly and offered him gas money. He emphatically said,"No!"

I sat awestruck once again at God's power grinning from ear-to-ear.

The next day he showed up and struggled less while helping. Eventually he could understand my slurred speech and responded to me. We got to know each other more and enjoyed our time together. Our relationship grew to something akin to father/daughter. In fact people at rehab thought he was my dad.

That year he, his wife and son decided they were buying Christmas for my family. I was astonished again by this beautiful man and how he had gotten his family involved. Trying to repay some kindness, I invited them over for Christmas dinner. My children thrilled them with their excitement over the gifts. At that exact moment we were bonded for life. From then on we were family. Every Christmas after that, we got together, had dinner and exchanged gifts.

He drove me to therapy everyday for a year and a half, until the physical toll got to be too much for him. He and his wife have since gone to be with Jesus. Eldon Cozart was a truly terrific example of a 'Good Samaritan.' He made me feel like I was worth something. Thank you my friend! I love you so much and can't wait to see you again in heaven.

The Samaritan soothed his wounds and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins. Saying "Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this. I'll pay you next time I'm here."

Luke 10:34 & 35

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce