By Mike Hall, June 27, 2016
The sidewalks were sizzling
as the temperature climbed above one hundred
People flooded to ice cream parlors…..
movie theatres….and the library
to find relief from the heat
I had just pushed the down button
on the elevator at Koelbel library
when a woman in her seventies
entered the front door
She was assisted by a younger
lady who seemed to be her daughter
The daughter held on to her arm
as mom tried to steer her walker
towards the new non-fiction section
The woman was stooped to such a degree
that it seemed as if she could be reaching
for a lost coin on the carpet
When she tried to make a right turn towards
the librarian’s desk….she nearly fell to the floor
Her groan made me shudder…..it made me realize that….
for her….there was no escape…..no relief
from the burden she carried every day
When I was leaving, this brave soul was
sitting more comfortably in a chair
near the check out stand
I was mindful of her courage
and how difficult each day must be….
betrayed by a back that won’t cooperate
The image came to me of
how bent and broken Our Lord
was as He was marched to the cross….
how He stumbled and could barely get to His feet
I pray for the lady at the library….that He’s with her
every step of the way….every minute…..every day.
What You’re Saying