Mr. Robert Heitmuller is over 90 years old,
a World War II veteran.
He lives in a nursing home,
wheel-chair bound.
Robert is of German descent.
Most of his life he has been a Lutheran.
Several years back he somehow got connected
with folks from Brook Hill Methodist,
and now he is picked up
and brought to our church
every Sunday.
Seven men take turns picking Robert up.
They get him and his wheelchair into their cars,
bring him to church,
get him back into his wheelchair
and wheel him to his regular place
at the end of a short pew.
Each December Robert hosts a breakfast party
for these men, their wives,
and some of his caregivers.
The celebration takes place at Brook Hill’s fellowship hall,
and breakfast is prepared by Brook Hill men.
Robert invites us to attend almost a year in advance.
We must pay him 25 cents to attend,
and this largesse is donate to a charity.
The sixth annual party was last Saturday morning.
Thirty-some guests were seated at five or six round tables.
We enjoyed a beautiful, filling breakfast.
There was much joking and merriment.
A lady read the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2.
Several persons shared their memories of Christmas.
Robert sang O Tannenbaum in German.
He presented the gift of a rolling pin (?) to one of his friends.
And we sang four carols together.
This event is now a regular part of my Christmas season.
The affection that Robert and his men share
is readily apparent, tangible even.
Giving to one another.
Serving one another.
Loving one another
Another story of Christmas.
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