at home with each other

Last weekend, Agent B had a gig, so the kids and I headed over to Big Buddy's. It was one of the most incredible times with him ever. There was nothing spectacular. The tv was blaring, but at least nothing horrid was playing this time. A0#1 watched some of the football game while we visited and played. AO#2 was more interested in her 91 year old, wheelchair bound friend. She loves to keep him involved. He has a bell she likes to ring, but after she rings it, she always brings it to him to ring. We often bring toys. If she brought a doll, she wants him to hold it, which is comical because he is visibly uncomfortable with a doll, but holds it anyways in an effort to please her.

This visit, we had brought hockey sticks and a ball. At one point, AO#2 gave Big Buddy a hockey stick and sat on the floor gently rolling the ball to him so that he could hit it back to her. Their obvious love and joy at this simple game was enthralling. Then he got a magnetic pad and pen and tried to give her writing and drawing lessons. His hands are horribly clenched with arthritis, but he diligently drew stick figures and shapes, numbers and letters for her to copy. Being 2 years old, all she made were circles and doodles, but it was so beautiful to watch him offering her his knowlege and experience, through his obvious difficulties to share with a moment in time with her.

I've often thought that he gets better physical therapy and interaction through the kids than through anything else. Children and the elderly were meant to interact. There is something deeply spiritual about both of their existences. I had never felt so at home, at peace and content as in that moment. It was as if heaven had opened up and given us a taste of true love. I guess that's why it says the kingdom of heaven belongs to children. Somehow they have a way of opening up another place to us, a better place.