Ever Present Help

“George?”
“George!”
“Can you hear me George?!”
Slumped in his wheelchair, with expressionless eyes, one of the residents sat outside alone. As I was returning from a game of Bingo, I rushed to his side. He was one of the newest residents at the Assisted Living complex where I was employed as Activities Coordinator.

We had received several months prior, a notice of characteristics of a stroke. There are simple procedures that anyone can do to see if someone has suffered one. One thing is to ask them to smile. If they are unable to do it, there’s a strong possibility they have suffered one.

I quickly felt his neck and felt a slight pulse. I stood next to George as protector and comforter asking him “George, can you smile for me?” I felt awkward and silly asking such a question at that critical time. I kept reminding him that I was there and that it was going to be alright. Help was on the way!” Seconds seemed like minutes as time ticked away. The only response I received from him was the constant stare from his dark eyes. I’ll remember those eyes for a long time.

I called out to the House Manager to call 911. I was amazed how efficiently the Paramedics responded with questioning us and then loading him onto the stretcher. They administered the much needed care before leaving for the hospital.

I’ve always been in awe of the emergency personnel and their ability to handle stressful situations in their everyday routines. We all should be appreciative of their efforts. Our world certainly would be chaotic without their services.

This incident reminded me how quickly circumstances in our lives can change in a blink of an eye. We need to be a peace with our Creator as we never know when we may be taken from this earth.

I received word back from the House Manager that George’s blood pressure had dropped dangerously low. Do to his diabetic coma; they had surgically implanted a pacemaker.

During those brief moments, I drew strength from the presence of the Holy Spirit offering prayers for him. I’m so thankful that He allowed me to be there when it was needed most. Jesus is our Protector and Counselor. He is our refuge and strength, and an ever present help in time of trouble. Psalm 46:1

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Ginnylynn is a new local book author who is a native of Texas. Her first inspirational book, A Family's Stronghold was written to provide encouragement to others dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Also included are my true stories and poetry about my family and pets. The book can now be purchased through the publisher as a rush delivery at www.publishamerica.com or other online services such as www.amazon.com, and available for ordering at area bookstores.
© 2008 Ginnylynn Rodriguez - All rights reserved. Visit Ginnylynn's blog here: http://ginnylynn.fetchbook.info
E-mail Ginnylnn at nitewriter54 ( at ) yahoo.com

This column is used with permission.