Scripture Reading
     Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.
- Ephesians 5:1 - The Message

     I first met Tommy when he was I think, a freshman in high school, maybe a little earlier. From the first time I met him, I knew that he was special. Tommy was a member of our youth group at the church. There might not have been a more respectful or caring youth around. Tommy did most everything we did at the church. He went on every workcamp during his high school years, and even attended a couple more while in college which was not that easy since he was at the naval academy. It was always great when Tommy arranged his leave so that he could participate in our mission trips. As far as resumes go, Tommy's was up there. I mentioned the Naval Academy which he graduated with honors and awards. Tommy served in Iraq and led his group of soldiers with integrity and courage. He became a Captain and was planning a career in medicine as a Flight Surgeon in the Navy or if that did not work out, a civilian doctor after serving his country. As you can see, Tommy is an outstanding young man. If you know him, though it is not what he did that makes him outstanding and special, it is who he is as a man of faith and someone who understands love. I love Tommy and I know he loves me. Unfortunately, there is something else on Tommy's resume. It appears that he is the youngest person (27) ever diagnosed with Picks Disease. This is a terrible disease. Here is the official medical description.

Pick's Disease is a progressively degenerative neurological disease similar to Alzheimer's Disease for which there is no known prevention, or cure.

     About four or so years ago, Tommy began to exhibit some symptoms that alerted his family and friends that something was happening. After a lot of tests and various medical opinions, Tommy was diagnosed with Picks Disease. Unfortunately his family and friends learned too fast what this terrible disease is and what it does.

     Tommy now lives in a great place with amazing people committed to helping those with special needs. He is in the right place in regard to where he is living. Tommy is also in a different place in life now that the disease is progressing. His parents and sister and her family are now playing different roles than they ever imagined or wanted to play in regard to their relationship with Tommy. The great news is that at no time was anything other than "love and support" an option for them. Tommy is loved and I know he knows it.

     As I drove away from seeing my friend, Tommy, a flood of emotions filled me. I was sad, I was mad, I was moved, I was amazed, I was filled with compassion and more. How in the world do we make sense of things that don't make sense? How do we find balance when things seem so unfair? How do we stand when heavy burdens are about us? Let me tell you what I think. The only way we can deal with things like this is to lean on God and those whom He surrounds us with. Tommy's mom told me that the prayers of so many give her comfort and peace. Seeing her love Tommy as a mother does, is a way we keep moving forward. Seeing Tommy respond in the only way that he can when she is holding him, or even when I walked in and he recognized me, is a way we keep moving. Love does conquer all. God's grace helps us too. Remember that sometimes there are not answers to our questions. We just have to know that faith matters. Never ever forget this.

Prayer
Lord, You are a light in our darkness. Teach me how to love the way Tommy's family loves. Show me that Christ like love. Amen.