So good…

Today was Saturday, which means no clinic…and we had to get out of this apartment! Bryson and the High School Ag-Mechanics team were showing their projects at the Fort Worth Youth Fair, so we headed over to show our support.

I was a little nervous for Randy because I thought he might be uncomfortable being around friends from home, who haven’t seen him since his injury. I thought it might be a little awkward for them, too…not knowing how to act around their long-time friend, who seems so different now.

When we first got there, I shared something with them, that I’ll share with you. For each of you who know and love Randy, and are gonna get a chance to visit with him someday soon, this will make it easier…

Randy remembers every one of you. He remembers your face, your name, and his special nickname for you. He remembers all the things that you’ve done together. He remembers everything he’s ever known. He still has a hilarious sense of humor. He understands everything you say, and will likely crack up laughing at the same things he used to laugh about with you.

Randy’s got two major deficits. One is that he can’t control his hands, feet or even head in very purposeful movements. The other is that he can’t clearly say all the things he remembers. So when you see him, talk to him like you always have. He will smile and laugh, and may even call you by your nickname.

It was so good to see friends from home! We smiled, laughed, shared some old memories, and made some new ones. We had lunch, looked at some amazing fair projects, and got to hear the whole run-down on Bryson and JC’s smoker. (They got a blue ribbon, I might add.) Randy had a good time, and his big grin made it obvious that he was so proud of our boy.

I managed to eat almost all of poor Randy’s sandwich (when I’m socializing I eat stuff I’m totally unaware that I’m putting in my mouth…it’s wierd, I know), so I promised him food on the way home. From a pool of choices, he selected Sonic. He chose to order a cheeseburger, and clearly asked for onion rings. This is a big deal, people!

Four months ago, I had a team of doctors at Scott & White tell me that based on his MRI, I needed to decide if Randy would want to continue life support. Three months ago, I hadn’t heard him speak a word, and wasn’t sure if he ever would again.

I thank the Lord every day, that Randy remembers me (and all of us), that he’s capable of experiencing joy and love, and that he can communicate that. It’s a miracle.

God is so good.

Today was so good.

And Randy said his onions rings were so good.