The Gentle Giant

I met a gentle giant the other day.  I don't have a picture of him, and I don't know his name, but he's a giant of a man in every way.  His skin is the color of rich, dark chocolate, and his smile is filled with teeth that are white, very white.  Actually, Jenny and I both met him when Jenny went to her first physical therapy appointment for cancer patients.  He was one of the people in charge of parking cars.  He ran the desk. 

The minute he saw Jenny, he said, "You look great!  That smile that you wear makes you look so good!"  Of course, we both smiled.  He said, "You know, I had 3 surgeries on my brain.  The hardest part was the therapy, but you aren't going to have any trouble with that!  Look how good you look!"   

This gentle giant of a man, wounded severely and bruised by life, made Jenny and I smile.  He went out of his way to answer our questions and to help me get the parking situation all straightened out.  In all that time, he never quit smiling.  What a simple truth he lives!  He chose to be happy!  He could have wallowed in the depth of despair with such severe health problems, but he chose to live and make other people's lives better.  His smile electrified the room. 

I don't know his name.  I don't know if I'll ever see him again, but I would ask you to whisper a little prayer for this gentle giant.  I am praying that his life will be blessed.   I know that mine has been blessed.   I'm a better person for having met him--the gentle giant.