The Lord Our Strength

 

After our dog, TJ, passed away, I was left without a walking partner. Both TJ and I used to look forward to our jaunts around the neighborhood. However, as he grew older and showed evidence of hip pain, our walks became very short and finally stopped altogether.

Al and I talked about my finding a replacement for TJ. There were plenty of neighbors to ask, and going solo was okay too. However, a walking partner was always nice. Our conversation prompted him to purchase a set of walking sticks with the intention of accompanying me, since walking any distance with his cane caused stress on one of his hips.

The new walking sticks made a big difference, with one drawback—they put strain on his wrists! For that reason, he made a major decision…to purchase a tricycle so that he could ride on the sidewalk beside or close to me. Prior to his decision, he had put many strenuous miles on his mountain bike, riding on rocky trails and winding roads in the foothills of the Sierras.

For the last eight years spent in Michigan, it was a combination of making loops around our neighborhood, riding on trails created from former railroad beds, and exercising on a bike engaged with a Cyclops trainer in his office.

 Lately though, balance and stability had become an issue, to the point that Al no longer felt safe on his twenty-one-speed bike. Humbling? Maybe, but a tricycle would be a great way to continue doing what he loved to do, as well as keeping me company.

Al began looking in local bike shops and discovered that trikes were hard to find due to an increasing interest among Baby Boomer bicycle enthusiasts! The manager of one shop told him that their popularity had soared, especially among men. He promised to call Al when a new shipment arrived.

As soon as the manager called, Al headed over to the bike shop and ended up coming home with a one-speed model that same day. After attaching a headlight, two tail lights and a device on the handlebar to hold his cell phone, it was ready to roll. Good for him!  

That night I had company on my walk! And the trike worked out fine. With Al riding in front of me, I had to walk at a faster pace…reminiscent of walking TJ and his “brother” Teddy when they were young and used to drag me down the road as I hung on to their leashes. No leash this time though!

Then came another major decision, one which he had previously resisted. He decided it was time to replace the cane that he had been using for several years with an updated version of a walker, now called a “Rollator.” Instead of being restrictive, the rollator actually gave him more freedom of movement. It was light, collapsible, had a seat for sitting down, four large wheels and hand brakes. The color helped convince him too. It was bright red! And the cost was completely covered by insurance. Sold!

Since the purchase of these two new “vehicles,” we have enjoyed going around the neighborhood together, stopping to meet and visit with people along the way.  Now Al has the option of riding the trike or using the rollator. Sometimes we go in silence; other times, we listen to music on his cell phone; and often we have good, long conversations. TJ could wag his tail and smile, but he wasn’t much of a conversationalist!

I’m thankful that Al wants to remain physically active, and that we can still experience the fun of being outdoors together. And I am also thankful that he is willing to accept the challenges created by aging with humility and grace.

Finally, I am grateful that the Lord is at the center of our marriage. He has been with us throughout our married lives, has taken us through some difficult times and is now strengthening us day by day. God is good!

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4 NIV

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV