Fr. Jim Bok keeping limitations in perspective
Fr. Jim at his 70th birthday party
Word spread fast about the breaking of my leg the night I had my 70th birthday party. Thanks to everyone for your concern and prayerful support. I am currently in the rehab process which is going well. For an old-timer, my progress is amazingly good—or so says my surgeon and therapist. Let’s chalk that up to good genes (thanks mom and dad) and a stiff upper lip (had to say that since I live in a former British Colony). My positive outlook and hopeful spirit is helpful too.
Though, I confess my stay in the Savanna-la-mar hospital emergency room for 15 hours and in Montego Bay Hospital for five days was a great challenge to the up-beat me. I was miserable. The spirits rose when I was told I was going home on Saturday. On Sunday morning, I headed to Mass in a wheelchair propelled by somebody else. Welcomes and good wishes were plentiful. My spirits were buoyed. Then we came to the exchange of peace. Tracy, twenty-five, severely handicapped and deformed, carried by her grandmother, Maureen, came to me in my wheelchair, to bring their peace and receive mine. I could barely refrain from sobbing. That I should be miserable even for a day. I will leave my wheelchair behind soon enough. Not so, Tracy!
I see the same people, places and things as I did several weeks ago. Now I see them in a different light. It’s funny how misfortunes or trials, or breaking your leg can keep your focus where it belongs; on the other and not the self.
Fr. Jim and Nickoy
In my need to get out of the house I was determined to join our Friday morning trip to the grocery store. And I knew what I must do. Arriving in the parking lot, I got into my wheelchair and headed directly for Nickoy McKay! I spun around and backed in right next to him. Nickoy sits outside Hi-Lo most days. He has a rare disease which confines him to a wheelchair. I never pass him without a greeting and I always get a smile. He knew of my broken leg and wished me a return to good health. We commiserated on life in a wheelchair. Eventually, I get to leave mine but he does not.
And I’ve thought of my dad a lot these past few weeks. He suffered with ALS for about eight years. I watched the neuro-muscular disease slowly sap his ability to move and talk and ultimately breathe. He had much to complain about and had to be miserable now and then. Confined to a wheelchair and ultimately bed, he never complained, was never upset with God and always kind to his caregivers. To this day I do not know where that came from. Dad has helped me keep my “sufferings and limitations” in perspective.
It has been some time now since I complained about my broken leg and poor me. I think of Tracey, her grandma, Nickoy, my dad, and so many others. Your well wishes and prayers, and the support of wonderful benefactors, have pushed me along to better health; physically, emotionally and spiritually. And I cannot wait to take J.B. (our dog) to the beach for our regular walk, run and swim!
Physical therapist Ms. Addiman assesses Fr. Jim's situation.
Posted in: Jesus, Missions, Newsletter, Prayer
