Roger

Roger is a nimble man.  As nimble as any 93 year old man can be. 

His refusal to ever see a doctor is understood.  His wife, twenty years before, went to her doctor with a back ache.  A diagnosis of cancer and a week later, Roger buried her.  On the mantle above his favorite resting chair, her face illuminates his living room.  You can't walk anywhere in his humble home without seeing her smile. 

Roger does everything with a smile.  I suppose photographed smiles can be contagious.

Roger has lived a remarkable life.  Still does.  He sticks to this routine.  A shopping trip to Whole Foods on Monday, church on Sunday and the rest of the week, he reads.  His television is only turned on for specific sporting events.  Roger has his favorite teams. 

Recently, Roger received a letter from the IRS to inform him he was being audited.  During World War II, as he fought for our country, the department of defense overpaid him $30 a month for about 18 months.  Seventy years later, our government now wants $3000 from him.  Roger thinks it's funny. 

That's how Roger is... he smiles in the face of everything.

Roger is a simple man.  His favorite food is jello. If you sit down to have a conservation with him, his favorite subject will be YOU.  Roger has lived a remarkable life yet considers his life, his stories, his lessons, and his values to be ordinary.  

Roger has this rare ability to make one feel important.  If you are fortunate enough to speak with him, he will stare you straight into your eyes and ask you many questions.  Roger is a caring man.  As genuine as one can be.

"What would you like to do today, Sir?" 

"Let's go to the mall". he gleefully replied.

"But, its Christmas time.  The mall will be crowded.  There will be traffic.  People aren't as jolly as you'd think this time of year at the mall."

"Let's go to the mall", he repeated.

So, we went.

Roger is a nimble man.  As nimble as any 93 year old man can be.

Upon entering this overcrowded retail structure, Roger led the way.

"Where would you like to go first?"

"Sears", he gleefully replied.

Roger is a nimble man except when it comes to escalators.  Who hasn't almost missed a step on one of those moving staircases?  Roger fell to one knee, picked himself up gracefully and he smiled.  It's Christmas at the mall so nobody even noticed.  I doubt that thought even crossed his mind.

Roger lives alone.  His kids, half a country away and years removed from conversation.  Roger still speaks of them with love.

Upon entering this archaic establishment commonly known as Sears, Roger walked at his own pace towards the men's clothing section.   Fumbling through the tie rack, he settled on one particular tie that seemed to suit his taste. 

As he handed the cashier the tie and $30, he demanded that this young woman keep the change.  Smiling, she replied, "Sir, would you like me to wrap this for you?"  Roger smiled back and nodded no.

The ride back to his home was nothing but the peaceful sound of an older man humming along with Christmas carols that played so slightly in the background.

Who would dare break out into idle chatter when a nimble man like Roger is lost in Christmas song?

Upon arrival to his humble home, Roger smiled and he handed me the tie.  "Merry Christmas, Son".  Then like an old cowboy from a western, he faded off into the distance.

This Christmas, Roger will be getting the best gift I can think of: 

Jello.

Roger is a good man.  As good as any man can be.