The Last Handshake: Episode 6 Principle 6: Tension

For the 30-minute drive to Jim’s house, my head was full of questions. What will I say? Have I waited too long? Will Jim know me or even know I’m there?

The family had arranged to have a hospital bed in the living room. That’s where Jim was. I could tell he was in pretty bad shape because he didn’t get up. Fortunately, he was awake and Dorothy told him we were there.

To say I was nervous, would be an understatement. I was a nervous wreck! It was obvious this would be the last time I ever spoke to Jim and I desperately wanted to say the right thing.

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say something to encourage someone you cared about but you weren’t sure what to say? That was me.

The first part of our visit is still a blur. I don’t remember exactly what I said but I managed to tell Jim how much he had encouraged me and how I wanted my boys there to hear it.

Seeing the condition he was in, I realized Jim would never be able to wear the T-shirt I brought for him. Before I went to see him, I was hoping he might be able to wear it for whatever time he had left. But it was obvious that wasn’t going to happen.

It almost seemed pointless to give him something like this now but I went ahead and I told him about the T-shirt and then handed it to Dorothy.

What happened next is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Coming next: Principle 7: Hero Saves the Day