contributed by:
Leroy K. Pickett
First United Methodist Church
Early in 1995, I experienced difficult challenges in attempting to satisfy requirements for transporting agricultural machinery on European roads. I thought that I was doing all right personally, but found myself in deep depression by August. When the doctor failed to prescribe the correct medication for me to recover, I left my apartment in the Quad Cities, at the west edge of Illinois Downers Grove , Illinois
My recovery took nearly five months, but health returned quickly after my wife and I convinced the doctor to prescribe the medication that had previously worked well for me. While at home, I rested much of the time and sometimes took long walks through one or more of the nearby parks.
A retired pastor, associated with my church, and his wife lived just a few blocks away from my home. From time to time, he took walks in the community and sometimes stopped to visit with me. Our conversations usually were centered on family, the lovely tree-shaded community where we live and occasionally something special one of us had read in a newspaper or book.
Even though I do not remember the details from any single visit, I frequently remember the sharing and love experienced at a time that I needed it most. It was certainly a blessing to have someone care enough to give me a lift by a visit of love. The visits of my caring and loving friend have influenced my thoughts and actions in positive ways during the more than 15 years since his visits, a time in which I have generally experienced good health.
