Posted by
John Crutchfield on Thursday, January 29, 2009 9:20:01 AM
There are no words to adequately describe the humbling experience of learning a seriously ill little child is praying for you. It reminded me of how Jesus, on the cross, petitioned His Heavenly Father to forgive those who "know not what they do". In a similar fashion, Tyler, in the midst of his own suffering, was filing an appeal with God for blessings on my behalf. Well, slap me silly! Tyler was praying for me. How do you like that?
A couple more years passed and we were coming into the fall season. It was a cool day with clear skies and clean air - Saturday, a perfect day to relax. The phone rang and a woman on the other end asked for me. She knew about my sign business and went on to ask if I was an artist too, which I am. She had a dilemma on her hands and was hoping I could help her. She described how the secularists were once again rumbling about the Nativity scene being part of the "Holiday Display" on the town common. She feared they would get their way and Jesus would be banished from His own birthday celebration. The very idea upset her son terribly and she was wondering if I could make a Creche for their front yard. She was willing to pay for it.
After listening to her story, I became a little suspicious and asked: "Is this Donna?" We had never spoken before. She answered in the affirmative and I asked why she didn't identify herself in the beginning. She told me she "didn't want any special consideration". Well, if anyone was worthy of special consideration, it was her. I agreed to look into what we could do and get back to her if the town didn't come through. But I didn't get back to her. Another scheme had hatched and I decided to make one anyway.
The Creche was simply made of plywood cutouts, maybe 2' high, of the Holy Family along with the Magi and a few critters. The images were created from sketches I had made of the Nativity display in my town. They were painted up and designed to assemble easily onto a plywood base panel. It all came together pretty well.
To our great pleasure, the town where Donna's family lived allowed the Manger Scene to be part of its display that year, but I had already done one up for Tyler. Perhaps a week or so before Christmas, my dear wife made some fudge and we headed off to Donna's house for a surprise visit to deliver our gifts. When we arrived, the family was just piling into their van for a journey across town to visit with friends. They looked warry as we walked up the driveway, surely wondering who we were and what we were up to. After introducing ourselves, you would have thought we were family they hadn't seen in years. Donna's eyes opened wide with surprise and she smiled with joy. She hugged us and couldn't stop apologizing for not being able to stay and visit with us, but that didn't matter. We had an agenda.
We stopped to say hello to Tyler, who was already in the van. He was bundled up in a snow suit and he looked a little like the Michellin Man. I soon realized the suit was deceiving. Tyler's face was puffy from what we presumed to be some medication he may have been taking and I sensed he was a little embarrassed by his appearance. Admittedly, it was disturbing to see him that way, but we assured him of our love and concern and that we would continue to keep him in our prayers. Patricia gave them her special fudge. We learned later that fudge was one of their favorite things in the whole world. Donna thanked us repeatedly and the whole family waved good-by as we returned to our car and quetly drove away.
Of course, we still had the other gift in the back of the wagon. The wagon was an '81 Buick Electra a dear friend had given me, but that's a story in itself. We turned the corner at the end of the street and proceeded slowly down the road and watched as the family van disappeared in our mirror. After being sure they had left, we turned around, went back to the house and set up the Nativity on their front porch, practically giddy the whole time. It was pure fun.
We came home that night, after shopping, to find a message on our answering machine from Donna. It was a tearful "thank you", filled with love and appreciation. The Nativity was a hit and it brought great joy to Tyler. Pat and I were warmed by Donna's message and felt a sense of deep spiritual satisfaction about what had just happened. God had given us the ability to lift up a little boy who had made such a difference in our lives. In honoring him, we honored God. The metaphor was all too clear and we couldn't help but think.....
Now, this is Christmas!
To be concluded..........