Sick And Lonely
Anyone who truly knows me knows that I’m an extreme extrovert. I rarely meet a stranger and love interacting with people. I still do enjoy the fellowship of others. However, my health has really separated me from so many. Other than Sunday morning church I typically never go anywhere with anyone.
It gets lonely when you’re the only one home so many days. I can’t just walk out the door and do whatever I would like to do. Anytime I think I can my body reminds me that I just can’t right now. From driving, sitting, standing and walking it’s all very difficult for me. I spend most every day inside either in the bed or tub. After a while you simply feel like you’re on a deserted island.
I painfully watch my wife and kids go places without me. Pretty much every weekend I’m just here and they are wherever enjoying life. And, I would never hold them back from getting out as that would just increase my guilt and pain. I observe many on social media my age that still have the gift of health. They are out and about enjoying things I’ve missed out on the past few years. I keep praying that will change soon.
Thank God I do have a very strong support system. Unfortunately, many like me don’t have anyone around at all. They deal daily with what I call the greatest disease on the planet called loneliness. I pray for each of these folks daily. And, as soon as my health allows I plan to provide a physical support group for those who are chronically ill and isolated from so many who just don’t understand what it’s like to be in our shoes.
“ Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Pastor Craig Crosby 