Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – B. J. Cassady

July 17, 2006

A Stroke of Good Fortune

B.J. Cassady
 
     My friend of 30 years...we have gone though many tough
times.  His tough times, not so much mine.  He had a bad marriage
and was unable to forgive his wife.  He descended into drugs, spiraling
out of control, losing his home, his car, his self-esteem.  Several times
I took him to the hospital, flushed pills down the toilet, but when a person
does not care, there is little help one can offer.
 
     He loved my children.  No matter what, he would give them presents
at Christmas time.  He painted their room, spending over forty hours doing
so.  Not just painting their room, but painting it with cartoon characters.
My friend had a talent.  He is an artist. 
 
     About two years ago while trying some bad drugs he suffered a stroke
at the age of 49.  Now he is in a nursing home with his left side paralyzed.
His mind is clear after these decades of drug influence.  He wants to speak
to children about the dangers of drugs, but I want to wait a while.  He needs
to understand more.  He has gone to church with me many times.  My friend
Gary, cannot walk.  He has to use a wheelchair.  However,  during the last
church visit and while singing the last song, he stood up and sang with
the congregation.  When he did, I had tears in my eyes.  The song leader
could not sing any more.  The effort to stand and to remain standing is beyond
our understanding, yet he did so.  My friend is finally realizing his place in life. 
Perhaps the stroke was needed to humble him, to show him the Way.  His
journey is not complete, but I am proud of my friend for taking the first step.
 
BJ Cassady

BJ.Cassady@af-group.com
Guthrie, Oklahoma