To start, I am hoping to start posting a blog once a week in 2010...
This post was real neat the way it came about. I remember meeting Grady Aron for the first time like 5 or 6 years ago. I was waiting tables and Grady and Bob Rheudasil were taking Pastor John Mollet out to eat. It was just announced he was re-assigned to another church, so this was there good-bye lunch with him. When they walked into the restaurant I happen to be up front and Pastor Mollet recognized and me and introduced me to the Bob and Grady.
From the very first time I met Grady, there was one thing I could count on. A good solid handshake. At first I thought it might be a test of manhood. He was an elderly man, and I was a young man. I thought maybe he wanted to see what kind of handshake I would offer. I met his intensity. I was new to the church and would later get to know Mr. Rheudasil and Mr. Aron. During the meal, Mr. Rheudasil was informed that my mother had re-designed the area now known as Soul Cafe. It was dedicated to his late wife. He pulled me aside, almost tearing up, he spoke so highly of how nice a job my mom had done and how much he felt that his wife would be proud.
Back to Mr. Aron, over the years I enjoyed the firm and long handshakes. It became a highlight to sunday mornings. As we would shake hands we would talk about current events, the whole entire time he would be squeezing the heck out of my hand. My family would look as I would try not to grimace. One sunday, Mr. Aron even got up and spoke during church. This is fairly unusual in my church, being that we are Methodists. I remember parts of what he shared. He talked about the various locations of FUMC Lewisville. He had been a member for decades. It was very moving to hear him talk about his regrets. His speech slowed and became almost emotional as he shared how he wished he had been more involved. To step up in front of the church at that age and as respected as he was and admit, it really hit home. Somewhere along the line, the grip that Grady shared through the handshakes moved from just hands to my heart. I really grew fond of seeing him.
Over the past couple of year, Grady's health slowly grew worse. He was moved back and forth between a nursing home and assisted living facility. I made a few attempts to visit him, but every time I would go to one place he would be at the other. Grady passed away this past week.
Here is the real neat twist. I went into work tonight and my first table had an elderly gentleman. It turns out it was his 50th Wedding Anniversary. As I congratulated him on this milestone, he reached his hand out for a handshake. I oblgied as his daughter began to cringe, and he gave me a strong handshake. I immediately grinned and enjoyed it thoroughly. His daughter apologized and begged him to stop. I shrugged her off and assured her it was ok. After a few more stiff handshakes, I asked this gentleman any wisdom from his 50 years of marriage. His words, "Stay single."
It is amazing to me that something as simple as a handshake can leave such an impression on people. To think of how many people we shake hands with on a daily basis shows the number of people we could connect with, if we really put some effort into it. So if I ever give you a good hard handshake, I hope you can understand why....
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