Act Of Love




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" April 3, 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ How far would you go to entice an unwilling patient to eat? Annettee's father was willing to go to extremes. ------------------------------------------------------------ His Greatest Act of Love By Annettee Budzban ------------------------------------------------------------ "...But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:3 (NIV) My son, Jim, was around the age of twenty, when he was involved in a motorcycle accident. He suffered a severe head injury, but he had a miraculous recovery and was discharged from the hospital two weeks later. However, he still required some minor supervision, and I needed to return to work. So my father, who was retired, volunteered to be a part-time caretaker and make daily visits to check on him. Over the course of his two weeks hospital stay, Jim had lost almost 40 lbs. due to a loss of appetite. His appetite still wasn't what it should be and this bothered my father terribly. Each day when my father would visit, he would do his best to entice Jim to eat. One day, during my dad's usual visit with Jim, they became engaged in a conversation about my dad's old army days. "When I was in the army, everyday, I did countless pushups. I even use to do headstands." My dad told him. My son listened intently to his grandfather's tale. When suddenly, my dad made a proposal, "I'll tell you what Jim, I'll stand on my head, if you will eat some lunch." Not thinking that his grandfather would ever do such a thing, Jim bit the bait with his reply, "Sure grandpa, go ahead and do it. I'd like to see if you still can." Before you know it, my father was propped up against the wall in front of Jim performing one his grand headstands; just as he did in his old army days. Jim's mouth dropped open as he watched the effort that was demonstrated to entice him to eat some lunch. He was awestruck over his grandfather's love for him. Later, he told me, "Mom how could I say no. After grandpa stood on his head for me, I had to force down my lunch." I could just envision it, my white-haired father, on his head, talking with my son. Being a nurse, it was far beyond any tactic I had ever tried with any of my patients. My dad went above and beyond his call of duty that day. I am greatly touched by this love he showed for his grandson. His ingenuity, boldness, and selfless act, will always remain in my heart. A true act of love is the greatest act any of us can perform. We have all been at a loss in our frustration to make a situation change. I recall as a young girl my mother using the phrase "I've done all that I could, except to stand on my head." My dad took those words one-step further in his frustration. I wonder if he remembered those words as he performed his greatest headstand; His greatest act of love. We have a heavenly Father, who performs acts of love for us. His greatest act was not a headstand. He had another unique way in mind to reveal, His love to us. It was by coming down to earth through the flesh ofHis, Son, Jesus Christ. He had to allow, His, own flesh, to take away our sins for us. We too, stand in awe at this greatest performance of love. It wasn't a feeling, but an action He performed, so we could truly see His greatest act of love. Annettee Budzban ahrtwrites2u @ aol.com You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Annettee Budzban Lives in Wildwood, IL. She is the author of the devotional book, "Life Changing Inspirations" and her second book "When Heaven Whispers" is currently being published. She is writes a weekly religion column and has been published on many e-zines and magazines. She loves to share encouraging words with others. -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- I loved the precise description in today's story (Swan Dance), great fun! So glad God answered yet again another prayer and that your son got the desire of his heart! God is indeed GOOD! Nothing is to small to take before the Lord! Betty King www.betty.newsmoose.com Dear Cheryl, I was most interested hearing how your son wanted a piano. Does he play, or has it just been a dream to have one and possibly learn? The reason I asked is because I have always wanted to learn to play the piano, ever since I was a little girl. However, it was never in our budget, and I had to settle for two years of guitar lessons. I always promised myself that when I was an adult, I would buy a piano and learn to play. Well, adulthood came, and along with it came bills, marriage, a child and husband, pets, bills, home repairs, vacations, and oh, did I mention bills? So the piano dream was pushed to the end of the list, but never quite forgotten. Then one day, our neighbor was having a yard sale and had an old piano for sale. I wanted that piano more than anything I had wanted in a long time. Suddenly my dreams of learning to play surfaced again. I bought the piano for a song, had it moved next door (that's a story in itself!) and signed up for lessons at the age of 44. Now it is four years later and I can play somewhat, at the third year level. I'm not good, but oh, how I love it. It feeds something in my soul. Thanks for telling us about your son. I hope he enjoys his piano as much as I enjoy mine. Maria I remember the funny chicken story! I bet Pete and his wife are much fun to be around. I have a feeling this is not the first practical joke she has played on him, nor the last. Jan --------------------------------------------------------------- Military Prayer Reminder --------------------------------------------------------------- As you read over this list of names, please take that moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Thaddeaus Howard Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. --------------------------------------------------------------- Chocolate Alert! I know that got your attention! I am working on a chocolate cookbook to be given away on Write 2 the Heart's web site. This work in progress is tentatively called "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." Anyone who would like to join in the delicious fun, send a chocolate recipe with a brief bio to be included after each recipe. Send as many as you wish. --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner Keep sending those chocolate recipes! I will make the ultimate sacrifice and kitchen test them. Just kidding.a little. Maria Harden sent one that I just have to fix for David's birthday this month. It is quick, easy, has a chocolate filling, and whipped topping with grated candy mixed in for frosting. Yumm! Last night I got in touch with another girl from the Home, Em. We talked on the phone for over an hour trying to catch up on each other's lives. The whole time, Tanya was instant messaging me to tell her what was being said. I'm afraid I am not very good at listening, talking, and typing at the same time, so I know I must have frustrated her. By the time I got off the phone, it was to late to call her sister. I will try tonight. And Tanya, I will try to do better! God Bless, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.