Living with Bob and Al

Sheri went with daughter number two
to get her first drivers license renewed
Of course Bob and "Al" came with us.
When they get to the location
Sheri realized, that since the doctor
had pulled Bobs' drivers license
(without Bob knowing it ) 2 1/2 years ago
Sheri had not figured out how to get him
down to this office for a Minnesota ID card.
So as she usually does... she saw an opportunity and took it.
She reached up and flattened the splotch of hair on Bob's
head that is always sticking straight up.
Bob says "Don't worry about my hair, I am not the
 one having their picture taken!"
Sheri hesitated a minute wondering if  they were close enough
in line to tell Bob of her plan, because this
no driving situation is still a very touchy thing.
She decided to go for it..."Bob, you know since we are here,
we might as well get your new picture
for your new card, save us a trip back."
Sheri is speaking quickly as to not give Bob a chance to respond.
Bob as never been a talker, but she did not need words
 for Sheri to know his response... his face said it all
It was a mixture of anger, sadness,confusion and despair.
Sheri filled out the paper for him..next challenge
 does she mark on the form that she wants the card to reflect
that he has a medical alert? Her instant reaction was yes,
but then paused thinking about hard all these decisions are
 and how much she hates making them she marks it anyway,
because she knows it is the right thing to do.
( Next step will be to actually "get" a bracelet or something for him to wear that is for another day.)
The lady tells Bob to sign the ID card form,
he looks at Sheri as if he is not sure
what she said so she repeats , he actually has
not signed anything in a very long time
Sheri was surprised to see his hesitation as
to whether to sign his middle name or not.
The woman was getting impatient (It was ten minutes till close, and still a long line)
She tells him she is  going to take his picture now
and she waits for him to smile,
 then she says "you can smile now"
Nothing.. that "flatten affect" is so obvious now.
"Okay.. you are done" We leave the building
(Bob is still hobbling and in pain from yesterdays lawn mowing
with the weed wacker experience)
Sheri goes for the distraction technique, Bob did
you make any fudge today? I could sure use some fudge...
'Al" says " Oh, I don't know, I will check when we get home."


I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13 (NASB)