???I want to sit next to Lelon,??? 3 year old Ty pleaded with his mother. His big eyes looked up longingly into his mother??™s face.

She patiently pulled the folding chair over next to Leon who was sitting at the card table with us. He is one of our residents at the Assisted Living facility where we both work. Little Ty accompanies his mother at times during the weekdays and adds a touch of humor and inspiration to us all.

I sat across from Leon as we played our daily card games. He reminds Ty of his own grandfather back in Tennessee where they had moved from several years prior. His little heart misses him dearly and he has latched onto Leon emotionally with a tenacious affection which is reciprocated.

Being stoic and very Country, Leon has not smiled much since moving into the facility several weeks ago. As most residents there, losing his beloved home and independence plays emotional havoc on him. Although he hasn??™t been extremely abrupt, his demeanor has been downcast as a stormy, dark day.

I now can??™t remember what Ty said to Leon with that special look, but for a brief few seconds, I caught sight of something marvelous! Suddenly, stretched across Leon??™s face was a broad, partially toothless smile.  It was wonderful to behold!

Ty had touched a gruff old-man??™s heart. Melting away the shell encased around his soul, that priceless arrow of love, shot from innocent hands, broke through the darkness and exposed heaven??™s light upon Leon??™s face.

As quickly as the moment came, it left as Ty and his mother had to leave for home.

Tucked safely within my own heart now is a memory I can retrieve anytime my heart grows weary or sad. It can brighten up my spirits and for that, I am truly grateful. God in His wisdom, allowed this event to happen to bring joy to everyone there. Especially loved, was a Senior called Lelon.

???From the lips of children and infants, you have ordained praise.??? Matthew 21:16

?© Ginnylynn Rodriguiz