The Man
When I met Stan, he was serving green beans to a crew of about 200 volunteers. We were in New Orleans after Katrina danced her little jig and showed the world that man, in all of his genius and power, was no match for natural forces. About the age I am now when we met, quiet and affable, Stan was responsible for making sure the meals were served healthy, hot and on time.
Once, he piled high a plate of biscuits and gravy with sausage (a favorite of mine in the springtime of my life), but as I sat down to dig in, the gravy’s flavor was off and the texture was grainy and gritty. That was the day I learned I cared little for grits. Though by the accounts of my fellow diners, they were delicious.
For many years Stan had spent his weekends (and often weeks) giving up his time to help others build and rebuild after disasters and whenever there was a need. Stan was beginning a second life with a new wife after losing his first. And though the people he cared most for may have shifted, his love for God and for others continued, unabated.
Some 30 years later, now in his 90’s, he continues his kind nature. Though perhaps a bit quieter than he was in the past. Often he will remind you that getting old isn’t for the faint of heart and that he prays for the promise of being restored to his youthful vigor.
Will I meet him as a younger man and challenge him to a footrace or to climb a tree? Imagine, the power and skill of boys wielded by a man in his 100’s! What are the possibilities when youth is no longer wasted on the young, but weilded by the wise and adroit.
Maybe Stan will meet a boy and describe to him what it meant to get old in a world where greed and selfishness were the dominant thinking qualities. But that boy won’t understand. He will hear the words as a blind man hears color described, but comprehension will be beyond that boy. And good for him. Stan will have gladly born the frustration and challenges of old age in a difficult world if it means that his children and their children never have too.
The world needs more heroes like Stan.
