A Tale Of Two Brothers

A Tale Of Two Brothers

The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Proverbs 18:14

Ron and Billy Kern were brothers who were separated by more than their two-year age difference. Ron, who was the elder, had cerebral palsy, whereas Billy had been blessed with good health.

When their parents died, Billy took over as Ron’s caregiver, and about that time, they also became my patients. Dutifully, the two men showed up together for regular appointments. Both had inherited hypertension and hyperlipidemia from their parents, but both conditions were under control with medication.

Each time they came in, I was struck by how Billy, the “healthy” brother, seemed more distant and less engaged. I would have expected this from Ron, who was confined to a wheelchair; but Ron was always engaging. He had a hearty laugh and a contagious smile.

One day while I was working in the ER, the EMS radio alerted us to the impending arrival of a forty-five-year-old white male who appeared to have had a heart attack. The EMTs were performing CPR en route.

When the ambulance arrived, I learned that the patient was Billy. He’d had a massive heart attack, and there was nothing we could do to save him. A neighbor brought Ron to the hospital, and I met him in a private room to give him the bad news.

“I’ll help you figure something out,” I said. “In the meantime, I’m going to admit you into the hospital so we can help you until we sort out the details of what’s next.”

Over the next few days, we did some research and found a Christian care center that had a room available for Ron. He’d already had such a tough life that I was worried about how he’d take the news that he would now essentially be institutionalized. But I needn’t have worried. Though he grieved the loss of his brother, Ron was his usual, happy self.

The day we moved him from the hospital to the care center, he was grinning from ear to ear.

“This will be a new adventure,” he said.

Five years later, Ron is as funny and engaging as ever. He’s a perfect example of today’s verse: Though his body is sick, his spirit is lively.

TODAY’S RX

Laugh a little today. Laughter gives life to all who enjoy it.

Lord, I take great comfort in knowing that though I won’t always feel happy, I will always have joy, thanks to your Son, Jesus Christ, and the hope that he is to the world. Thank you for sending him to earth and for his sacrifice on the cross.