Random Blessings on Game Day

by | Oct 19, 2014 | Disability, Relationships, Sports, Uncategorized | 4 comments

I got blessed during the last Seahawks game, and not because of the outcome.

Gus and I ventured out for supplies right before Blue Thunder, our local drumming corps, marched fans into the stadium. They had massed on Occidental and King, resting their instruments against the brick walls and milling about the now-closed street. Several security personnel were observing the scene from a set of steps. Gus pulled over for some pats. The guys complied. He happily went down the line. One guard extended his hand to me and asked my name. He was a big man with a powerful voice. I answered, and he placed his other hand over mine, bowed his head, and leaned into me. “Dear Lord,” he said. “Protect Randy.” Gus was still and quiet beside me. “Please watch over him and keep him under your wing. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Since transitioning to a wheelchair, I’ve been blessed by many strangers: travelers and tourists who quiz me about my condition and pray for a cure; street preachers who counsel me to believe and then hand me a sandwich; fellow suffers who know the toll of chronic pain and degenerative diseases; homeless guys who figure I have it worse and share a soda with me. At times, I have been taken aback. I may even have flinched. But I try to accept the spirit in which these prayers are offered.

Think solace.

In the middle of the testosterone-fueled melee of a major sporting event, block after block of jerseys and face paint, surrounded by an army of drummers, a fair number of good-hearted inebriates whooping loudly with annoying regularity, and herded by those paid to try to keep the peace, I received the gift of sincerity. For a moment, a stranger felt moved to clasp hands with me and summon help.

My own faith is mutable yet palpable, unorthodox and personal, humanistic but abiding. What prayers do I have of my own to share? Nothing fully formed. I wonder how to convey what all of us need at any given time. What else but a few simple words from another with a window into weakness and a shared history of helplessness trying to name those forces that uplift and strengthen and relieve despair? What else?

 

4 Comments

  1. Steve Mahovlic
    Steve Mahovlic on October 19, 2014 at 6:36 am

    While my belief in any given entity is questionable, my belief in the strength of our mutual (every living being) spirit is very strong. An uplifting piece, once more by sharing you give the gift of inspiration.
    Thank you, and, yes, bless you.

    Reply
  2. Sterling Haynes
    Sterling Haynes on October 19, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    I close tearfully, dear Randy! Great essay.

    Reply
  3. Cathryn Wellner
    Cathryn Wellner on October 20, 2014 at 8:57 am

    I feel a sting in my eyes, thinking how many times people have offered solace when I least expected it, remembering how many times I have failed to offer it when it was needed. This is powerful writing, Randy, the heart-opening kind.

    Reply
  4. Ed Bowling
    Ed Bowling on November 25, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Randy thank you for sharing so beautifully that simple, naked kindness.

    ” What else but a few simple words from another with a window into weakness and a shared history of helplessness trying to name those forces that uplift and strengthen and relieve despair? What else?”

    A call to give and to receive.

    Reply

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