SMILEY FACE!
Slowly, but surely, Ben is beginning to smile again.
Especially tonight.
His middle school football coach, Coach Collins, made a surprise visit...Showing up with the same enthusiasm he shows on the football field. A knowing smile lit up Ben's face as he listened intently to the coach's pep talk. He's good. Knows exactly what to say and how to say it. No wonder the boys perform so well for him on the field.
Sometimes that's all a boy needs. A show of affection from a mentor who really cares and cares enough to take the time to tell him so. Ben was one of those football legends at his old school, CBS. Gifted on the field and in the classroom. A great kid with good manners and a great sense of humor. I'm grateful for the extra attention he's getting. An overdose of Love just may push him over the edge into full fledged recovery.
Tonight the Love flowed. The revolving door of visitors came and went and the two hour visitation passed so quickly. At one point I stepped out so someone else could see Ben. As I sat in the lobby I watched other patients being checked in. Sad faces...looking confused and empty. One man turned to me as he filled out his friend's paper work and asked, "How do you spell suicidal?" So much heartache in a world where there is so much hope...If only we could do a better job of inspiring that hope.
I will continue praying that Ben and his new friends will be inspired with the hope that comes when their soul's deepest needs are met. And I will keep on telling him to hang on to that hope, because it is so true what they say-nothing lasts forever-not even your troubles.
Especially tonight.
His middle school football coach, Coach Collins, made a surprise visit...Showing up with the same enthusiasm he shows on the football field. A knowing smile lit up Ben's face as he listened intently to the coach's pep talk. He's good. Knows exactly what to say and how to say it. No wonder the boys perform so well for him on the field.
Sometimes that's all a boy needs. A show of affection from a mentor who really cares and cares enough to take the time to tell him so. Ben was one of those football legends at his old school, CBS. Gifted on the field and in the classroom. A great kid with good manners and a great sense of humor. I'm grateful for the extra attention he's getting. An overdose of Love just may push him over the edge into full fledged recovery.
Tonight the Love flowed. The revolving door of visitors came and went and the two hour visitation passed so quickly. At one point I stepped out so someone else could see Ben. As I sat in the lobby I watched other patients being checked in. Sad faces...looking confused and empty. One man turned to me as he filled out his friend's paper work and asked, "How do you spell suicidal?" So much heartache in a world where there is so much hope...If only we could do a better job of inspiring that hope.
I will continue praying that Ben and his new friends will be inspired with the hope that comes when their soul's deepest needs are met. And I will keep on telling him to hang on to that hope, because it is so true what they say-nothing lasts forever-not even your troubles.
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