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| Happy EndingsDear Friends: Don't you love it when things turn out well? One Sunday in July, after we "passed the peace" at the 9 a.m. service, I announced that Ben S. needed a personal assistant in order to be able to attend camp, and we were down to the wire. Camp was to start that very afternoon. The camp coordinator had been looking for a helper for Ben for some time, but no one had been found. When the service ended, Robin and Holly J. stepped forward and volunteered. Friends of Ben through youth group, and veteran's of camp themselves, the two girls did not want Ben to miss out on the opportunity to go to camp. Used to volunteering (they were both acolyting and singing in the choir that morning), they did not hesitate to say they would help. Although assistance was not presented in the form he had expected, Ben quickly adjusted his expectations, and agreed to the arrangement. Everyone went home to pack. Mid week, Dennis S. went up to Camp Cedar Glen, in Julian, to finalize arrangements for elementary camp. Junior High Camp was in full swing, and Dennis came home to report that Ben, Holly, and Robin were all happily immersed and having fun. I want to thank Robin and Holly for giving that story a happy ending. I also want to let everyone know that we all have an opportunity to help create a "happy ending" for Ben again next month. On September 15, Ben will be undergoing surgery to fuse his spinal cord and create support for his spine through the insertion of two titanium rods. The surgery is necessary, as his scoliosis will become life threatening if it is not treated. Practical ways we can help now are to send Ben encouraging notes, and to donate blood in his name through the San Diego Blood Bank. Support after the surgery would be welcome in the form of hospital and home visits to Ben, and invitations to Joey (Ben's brother) to come and play with your kids or grandkids. Naturally, the whole family is anxious about the procedure and the recovery process. It will comfort them and give them hope to know that their faith community is planning to help them through. The "happy ending" will come when Ben and his family have been supported through a difficult experience, and Ben is able to go back to school and resume his usual activities. We are the hands and feet of Christ. We will find joy in the act of caring for one another. Together with you in faith, Pastor April |
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