It Started With Pickles-Clarence II

As I observed Clarence I began to notice he would only come out of his room to eat. This was just because facility rules dictated that everyone that was not bed-bound eat all meals together. The board of directors and medical staff had met and decided that this was the best idea for their patient's socialization and to ward off depression.

I told you yesterday, that Clarence was extremely self-conscious because of the rotting odor his body was producing and he was also verbally abusive to everyone. This combination caused all the other patients to back away from any contact with him. To get him to the dining-room, the staff had to guarantee him his own table as far away from others as possible.

At times I heard him angrily command the CNA's to go and see if the kitchen had pickles. If by chance it did and Clarence recieved what he called "My favorite food", his demeanor would instantly change to a little nicer person. But each time I saw Clarence I would smile, greeting him cheerfully, receiving the reception of a sneer and an angry growl. But I just pressed on, while God reassured me I was doing His will.

  

Suddenly I got an idea 'PICKLES!' I'd get a bottle of pickles just for him, so he could have one anytime he wanted and I'd replenish them when needed. When someone lives in a nursing home the allotted amount of money anyone on government assistant gets is 30 dollars a month, also my sister and brother-in-law sent some money to help buy essentials (shampoo, soap, etc..). I didn't get much, but I didn't care.

Every Sunday after I went to church I'd ask my ride to stop at the store. I bought pickles for him and tried to send them anonymously! It was a hit, but he would not let the staff have any peace until they revealed who the donor was. As they apologized to me for letting my secret out, they told me that an erasable smile crossed his pain weary face. One they'd never seen before. 

As time progressed Clarence's bitter composure started to wear away. He began to smile and greet me quickly, before a sound could escape my lips. Then one day my newest friend asked me to sit at his table and eat with him. I gladly accepted...

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
Psalm 14:10

I am blessed

Merrym Dawn Mathis Bruce