Eight years ago as David was lying in a hospital bed, we had no idea what our future held. My concern then, as now, was to just get from one day to the next. Months of hospitals, rehab and physical therapy followed. As he struggled to take his first steps, he never thought this day would come.
It took years. He learned to live with what he had, and how to cope with what he didn't. He got his Masters Degree online. He re-started the ordination process. Went to meetings, conferences, took more classes online and spent hours studying. Went to church twice a week and, with the help of the priest, helped with services, rang bells, did readings. As for me...I bitched the entire time. It's what I do.
The day finally came. On June 26, 2010, David was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church. Todd came for the big event. He participated in the service and had the honor of helping put on the deacon stole for the first time. I am informed that only clergy wear a stole to identify them as such (clergy I mean)
Isn't he a fine looking man??? (Sorry, picture taken without flash.)
He was ordained with two others who had been in the deaconate program with him. They were all smiles when the deed was done.
As Cami and I sat in the pews, we were filled with emotion. That he did this..by himself. He was determined and dogged in his pursuit. It is something he has wanted since he was very young. Well, he is gray and crippled now, but he did it. Whatever his past problems, whatever his future may hold, he can take pride in this. And so can his family.
