Hi everyone,
I was thinking more of the gospel story of Batimaeus I reflected on yesterday. It led me to think a bit about Mike Ricci, one of our core members. So let me introduce you to him.
Mike comes from nearby Maple, Ontario and has been with L'Arche daybreak for a long time. He is 49 years old and is visually impaired. Mike is not one to dwell on this, but rather is quite remarkable and quite independent despite the fact.
Mike has a wonderful sense of humour and I love to hear him laugh. It comes from deep within and it is a great laugh. He has a great sense of humour. I am responsible for helping Mike in his daily care. He depends on me and my sight to guide him to safety. Mike loves to talk about old tv shows, especially Carol Burnett, Tommy Hunter and many others. He often takes into laughing and can't finish a sentence when talking about them.
Mike takes my arm and I walk with him at a much slower pace than I am used to. It is good for me because it makes me more aware of my surroundings. I have also found that Mike's lack of sight has made me aware of my own blindness. We all have those areas of our lives to which we are blind, most often by choice. Like Bartimaeus who desies to see, it took great courage for him to ask Jesus to be healed. There were consequences to his restored sight; that being he would now follow Jesus. There ae consequences to us looking at the blind spots of our own lives. A new way of living, a challenge to change and address certain areas of our lives.
Mike has chosen to overcome his lack of sight. He has not given up but lives life fully as much as possible and adapts where necessary. There is a trust as he gives himself over to me to help him with his daily needs. It is humbling from my point of view. I find myself even as I clean his room and bathroom, doing so as a type of prayer, being aware of his life story and needs. It is wanting him to feel special and loved. Mike is a real gift to me and a challenge in my own life story.
Until next time.....
Jeff
