I’ve been trying to come up with a Christmas column for a few weeks now. It’s not easy to do. I thought about telling the beautiful story about how God came to Earth as a baby and gave the whole world an opportunity to be saved from their sins. Or, about the many Christmas Eves and days I experienced with my family, both way back when and up until today.
But what I have decided on is the greatest gift God has ever blessed me with. Her name is Linda. We married 38 years ago and had I not gotten saved in 1988, we could have never made it this long. But we both grew closer to the Lord, day by day and year by year, and to each other as well. I truly love her. I was pretty sure she loved me as well. But, how much? I had no idea.
In September of 2020, we both tested positive for COVID. She told people that she had a very mild case but to pray for me because mine was bad. It was and she had to nurse me back to health, day and night, for 2 weeks. It was only then that I found out she was very sick as well.
Fast forward to this year. In March, I fell and broke my hip and was taken to Abilene for surgery. I stayed in the hospital and a few days later, I had quadruple bypass heart surgery. My wife stayed with me every minute for weeks, sleeping in bad chairs and little cots.
Then, I went to a rehab facility and thankfully, it was in Brownwood, and fairly close to our home. This allowed her to go home and do laundry and housework, leaving me every night at 9, and then returning to my beside by 6 in the morning to take care of all my needs.
Finally, after several weeks, I got to go home. Did pretty well for a while but then, a few weeks ago, I collapsed at home and was back in the hospital again with internal bleeding. Again, she was with me every second doing everything you can imagine.
You see, I have several other medical issues. I can’t walk like normal people. Linda has to help me. I can’t brush my teeth or wash my hair without her. I can’t drive and if I go to a restroom, she has to stand at the door in case I need help. Of course, I can’t write or put on my clothes or ever feed myself. My wife sacrifices every day just to give me as normal a life as possible. What do I do for her in return? Nothing. I so wish I could because she deserves so much.
In our bedroom, on the wall, there is a plaque with the words to the song ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ written on it. My wife truly is the wind beneath my wings. She is my hero and is truly the greatest gift I have ever been given.
Merry Christmas, baby, I love you.
Until next time, so long everybody.
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‘Out of the Box’ with Dallas Huston is published each Monday morning at BrownwoodNews.com. Dallas was the radio voice of the Brownwood Lions and Howard Payne Yellow Jackets for more than 55 years. He currently is Pastor of Center City Baptist Church and hosts a Men’s Bible Study in Brownwood on Monday evenings. Your comments are welcome at [email protected].