Issue 18

Go with me

【Sing of Life】3

Rob and Ruth received a lot of free grace from God, deeply understood their own happiness, and were willing to share their blessings with others.

After our children went to college, my husband and I actively simplified our lives, learned to let go of “unnecessary” things, and cherish the people “in our hearts.”
In early autumn last year, we sold our house and rented an apartment with three bedrooms and two living rooms not far from work, allowing our lives to return to nature. The apartment community has dedicated personnel to take care of the public garden lawns. The large gardens are full of greenery with sparse flowers and trees. Pedestrians can stroll along the red brick paths and enjoy the beautiful scenery of blooming flowers. My husband and I love walking in the garden, chatting, and being relaxed and happy.

Warm hand-holding


Occasionally, we would see a gray-haired old couple. The old man was of medium height and still had strong steps, but the old woman was no longer able to walk. She held a stick in one hand and held him in the other. They supported each other and walked slowly towards the pavilion. We were attracted by the back figures of the two elders supporting each other. Their names are Rob and Ruth, and they have lived here for four years. They are actually our neighbors, and they are really destined to meet each other from thousands of miles away.


Rob and Ruth are approachable, Jewish-Americans who are in their early seventies and will celebrate their golden wedding (50th wedding anniversary) in a few years. Luo Bo has an outgoing personality, is a retired lawyer, and is enthusiastic about public welfare. He is still a volunteer at the local court and the apartment management office. Ruth is gentle and introverted, a typical good wife and mother, and is also a good helper to Rob. I have been feeling unwell in recent years and can no longer volunteer. I am preparing to undergo knee replacement surgery next spring. Both of them were athletes when they were young. Ruth once won a marathon championship, but now she has difficulty walking up and down stairs. You can imagine her frustration, but I never heard any complaints or bitter words from them. .


Rob and Ruth received a lot of free grace from God, deeply understood their own happiness, and were willing to share their blessings with others. They have a grateful and contented heart, have the courage and resilience to face adversity, and are still willing to help others despite difficulties. I admire this attitude.


Rob and Ruth have two daughters. They are both married, but they often return home to visit their parents regularly. When we return home in the evening, if we see cars parked in front of the front door, baby strollers in the hallway, and hear dogs barking, laughter, and laughter, we know that the neighbors are happy and have children and grandchildren. The success of tutoring brings harmony and unity to the family.


Luo Bo jokingly calls himself a "migratory bird". At the end of the year, he must fly to the warm south to spend the winter, and then fly back when spring comes and the flowers bloom at the end of March. He asked us to take care of the home here, and we happily obliged. In late spring, Ruth underwent knee replacement surgery and spent two months in a nursing home recovering. She accidentally contracted pneumonia. After recovering from the illness, she returned home and lived in seclusion. From then on, I never met them on my evening walks again. Sometimes when I passed by Rob, he said that Ruth's situation was up and down, and I could feel the heaviness in his heart.

Enriching the soul is better than weakening the body


A few weeks later, Luo Bo's eldest daughter came to visit. Before she left, the whole family bid farewell to her. Unfortunately, his washing machine suddenly failed to drain water and flooded the house. Seeing that the situation was urgent, we immediately asked the security guard to turn off the water and asked plumbers to repair it. At this time, Robb happened to send Ruth back, and then turned the car around to take his daughter to the airport. As soon as Ruth stepped out of the elevator on crutches, her husband hurried forward to explain what had happened.


I thought about her knees, grabbed a few towels, rushed to her house, and volunteered to wipe the floor for her. Ruth was very grateful and relieved. I was secretly surprised when I saw that she had lost weight and had an oxygen mask hanging on her face. There was an oxygen tank next to the chair. I mopped the floor quickly and casually asked about her children and grandchildren to help her calm down.


While chatting, she recalled her youthful ambitions and ambitions, and also mentioned some of the daily affairs of her daughter and husband. Her words revealed infinite care. This was the longest conversation the two of us had. When I left, I said to her sincerely: "I think you are really a very happy person! You have a fulfilling life and a rich soul!" She nodded thoughtfully, her wrinkled face A gentle smile spread across her face.


Two days later, Robbo came to thank us for our help that day, taking care of Ruth's needs and making him worry-free. He sent a bouquet of beautiful and fragrant red roses. The delicate red petals were like a girl's crimson lips, adding a layer of joy to Luo Bo's face. He said that Ruth's mood had changed significantly and she was willing to cooperate with the doctor's advice and take new specific drugs. He would patiently accompany her and believed that she would recover. Robb shows his true love for his wife, and we share in his happiness.


I inserted this bouquet of delicate red roses into a crystal vase and filled the room with fragrance, meditating on love, family, friendship and warmth in the world. People whose hearts are filled with love can give care, concern, sacrifice and dedication to others. The more willing you are to give, the more you can receive the infusion of love, and the more powerful you will be to love and help more people.

Such a life is full of true light, full of joy, full of enthusiasm, and full of contagion. Remaining steadfast in the midst of suffering, remaining loyal to the end in the midst of trials, getting more and more motivated with every setback, being unyielding, constantly singing the rainbow in your own heart, inspiring others to sing loudly, influencing others to walk into the light, and resonating with the movement of hope that resonates with each other in life. !